Australia v South Africa Test series: Future looks bright with young batsmen

Australia will head into day four of the third test against South Africa looking to press home its advantage gained after a flurry of Proteas wickets fell late on Saturday.

5 Wins for Australia in their last six Tests in Adelaide – they have beaten India (twice), England, New Zealand and South Africa, and drawn against South Africa in November 2012.

Australia also blooded dour opener in Matt Renshaw, who soaked up more than an hour in making 10 in the first innings and then spent 167 minutes at the crease for an unbeaten 34 in the second dig.

Smith will next lead the test side out against Pakistan in another day-night match at the Gabba on December 15 and admitted he would retain some unhappy memories of the South Africa series.

Steamed-up Mitchell Starc gave Australia a flying start in his opening over when he had Elgar caught by Steve Smith at second slip for a duck.

Du Plessis was delighted with the way the pace bowling unit of Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada and Kyle Abbott had “stepped up” in the absence of Steyn.

But Khawaja said he was unaware of being publicly put on notice by Lehmann, who told reporters after Australia’s innings capitulation that only four players were guaranteed selection for the Adelaide Test.

As well as Australia bowled, first-innings runs are going to be what defines the success or otherwise of Smith’s side. I’ve seen him come up against a few spinners and really heave them for some big sixes and really change gears.

The pair brought their 50-run stand in 76 deliveries but it came to halt when Warner was run out by Temba Bavuma after Renshaw sent him back. After two weeks of fire and brimstone, there are now some green shoots of new growth to be optimistic about.

The skipper was out edging when Australia required a further two runs but it only delayed the inevitable, with Handscomb getting off the mark by stoking the winning run.

But Hazlewood (2-41) hit back nearly immediately to remove Kagiso Rabada (7), who gloved a catch down the legside to Matthew Wade, and Starc beat Cook for pace in the next over.

While losing the series to South Africa has been a bitter pill to swallow, we enjoyed some memorable moments over the past week that culminated in a great win in the final Commonwealth Bank Test at the always stunning Adelaide Oval.

“The Aussie public was great until this last week. He just got on with the job”, Smith said.

The only shame for the players celebrating in Adelaide on Sunday night is that they will now break up for a fortnight, with half the team not part of the one-day squad for the three 50-over matches against the Black Caps that have been squeezed in before next month’s series against Pakistan. The South African captain was roundly jeered during the third Test, including when he made a century on day one and in the post-match presentation.