Australia won the second test against South Africa by an innings and 182 runs on Thursday in Melbourne, ending the series 2-0 with one inning remaining. The Proteas were bowled out for 204 on day four at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, needing 386 runs to make Australia bat again after the hosts declared on a massive 575 for eight. Two ridiculous run-outs hastened their collapse.
This is the continuous fourth win for Australia in Tests, which solidified its lead in the World Test Championship while highlighting its top position in the format. Following a first Test victory at Brisbane’s Gabba in just two days, it was Australia’s largest victory over South Africa since winning by an innings and 360 at Johannesburg in 2002.
For the innings, Lyon finished with 3-58, and paceman Scott Boland claimed two wickets. For his incredible 200 on day two in the sweltering heat, David Warner was awarded Player of the Match.
Next week’s series finale in Sydney will serve to solidify Australia’s position as the top-ranked Test team and guarantee a spot in the World Test Champion, which will take place at The Oval in June.
ICC World Test Championship points table – Updated
With a win percentage of 78.57, Australia under Pat Cummins continues to lead the points standings. If they defeat South Africa in the third and final Test, they will increase their victory % even further.
India is still in second place after defeating Bangladesh 2-0 in the series last week. In advance of a four-match Test series against Australia at home the following year, they hold a victory percentage of 58.93. India would easily secure a place in the World Test Championship championship game next year if they could win three of the four games.
With a win percentage of 53.3 and 50, respectively, Sri Lanka and South Africa switch spots and are now third and fourth. Following a 3-0 clean sweep of Pakistan, England is now fifth in the standings. The team under Ben Stokes has a 46.97 percent winning record.
Updated WTC Standings
| POS | Team | PCT (%) | PTS |
| 1 | Australia | 78.57 | 132 |
| 2 | India | 58.93 | 99 |
| 3 | Sri Lanka | 53.33 | 64 |
| 4 | South Africa | 50 | 72 |
| 5 | England | 46.97 | 124 |
| 6 | West Indies | 40.91 | 54 |
| 7 | Pakistan | 38.89 | 56 |
| 8 | New Zealand | 25.93 | 28 |
| 9 | Bangladesh | 11.11 | 16 |
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