CSA congratulates Proteas

Published Dec 3, 2012

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Johannesburg – Cricket South Africa (CSA) congratulated the Proteas on Monday after the national side secured a second straight Test series victory in Australia to stretch their lead at the top of the ICC Test Championship table.

The South Africans romped to a 309-run victory with a day to spare in Perth, securing a 1-0 victory in the three-match series.

They went unbeaten in Test matches in 2012 with five wins and five draws.

“What a wonderful way to celebrate our 200th Test match since unity,” said CSA acting CEO Jacques Faul.

Faul gave skipper Graeme Smith, who also captained the Proteas in their 2008 series win Down Under, special credit for the victory.

“It was fitting that he should be involved in the final dismissal of the series when he took his fifth catch of the innings to set a South African record and to equal the South African record for the most catches in a match (six),” Faul said.

“He has, in fact, taken 10 catches in his last two Test matches.”

Faul believed the Proteas had shown fighting spirit to hold off a dominant Australian outfit in the first two Tests before they ran riot in the third.

“What has been particularly impressive has been the style they have brought to their game and nowhere was it better illustrated than by the batting performances of (centurions) Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers at Perth,” Faul said.

“They are not only a champion side but they play like true champions.

“I would also like to thank Graeme and his opposite number, Michael Clarke, for the magnificent manner in which this whole series has been conducted.

“The cricket was tough and uncompromising from the first ball to the last but it was always played within the best spirit of cricket.” – Sapa

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