Abbott bowls Proteas to Test series win over Aussies

Hobart [Australia], Nov.15 (ANI): Kyle Abbott scalped a six-wicket haul as South Africa pulled off a crushing innings and 80 runs victory over Australia on day four of the opening Test to seal the three-match series with a game to spare at the Bellerive Oval here on Tuesday. Resuming at an overnight score of 121-2, Australia suffered an alarming collapse, eventually bundling out for 161 runs in their second innings. Usman Khawaja was the highest scorer for the hosts with 64. Abbott was the pick of the bowlers for South Africa with six for 77 followed by Kagiso Rabada, who finished with the figures of four for 34. The hosts faced a huge deficit of 241 runs after being bowled out for 85 in their first innings. South Africa's Vernon Philander completed a five-wicket haul in that innings. Earlier, Temba Bavuma (74) and Quinton de Kock (104) shared a massive 144-run partnership for sixth wicket to take the first innings' lead of 241 runs after being bowled out for 326. South Africa, who won the opening Test by respectable 177 runs, will play the third and the final match against Australia at Adelaide Oval starting from November 24.(ANI)