Proteas win Day Four honours to close in victory in Perth Test

Perth [Australia], Nov. 6 (ANI): Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who took three wickets to take apart the Australian top order, has put South Africa in the driver's seat at the end of Day Four of the first Test here at the WACA on Sunday. The Proteas closed in on a first Test victory by reducing Australia to 169 for four, still 369 runs behind, at the end of the fourth day. Rabada, who took the price scalps of Shaun Marsh (15), Steven Smith (34) and Adam Voges (1), ensured that his side did not take their foot off the Aussie throats. David Warner (35), the first wicket to fall for the hosts, fell prey to Temba Bavuma who produced a stunning piece of fielding to run out the aggressive left-hander. At the end of the day's play, Usman Khawaja was unbeaten on 58 with all-rounder Mitchell Marsh (15*). Starting the day at 390-6, South Africa skipper Faf du Plessis declared at 540-8, a lead of 538, having all but batted Australia out of the contest. The Proteas lower order ensured the hosts would be chasing a mammoth 539, thanks to healthy contributions from Quinton de Kock , Vernon Philander and debutant Keshav Maharaj. De Kock made 64 before he being dismissed but Philander and Maharaj (41 not out) continued to plunder runs off the exhausted Australian bowlers. Australia need another 370 runs on the last day of the Test match to win or some solid resistance to hold on for a draw. (ANI)