Tracking Australia’s last 6 Test series defeats at home

#4 1-2 Against South Africa (2008/09)

Ricky Ponting and co. were left pondering their first series defeat since 1992

This was Australia’s first home series defeat in 16 years after they had lost to West Indies in 1992. Then, just like the present series, South Africa managed to win the series in the first two Tests before Australia pulled one back in the dead rubber at Sydney.

This series featured one of the most epic Test match chases of all time when South Africa, inspired by tons from AB de Villiers and their skipper Graeme Smith, chased down 414 in 119.2 overs winning the first Test at Perth by 6 wickets. The Proteas won the second too, thanks to a sensational 166 by JP Duminy after they were reduced to 141 for 6 and then 184 for 7, before a 67-run eighth wicket partnership and an 180-run ninth wicket partnership prepped them up.

(Video courtesy: U2one100's channel)

That ensured that when Australia were all out for 247 in their second innings, South Africa had just 183 to chase, which they did in style winning the match by 9 wickets. Apart from his vital 76 with the bat, Dale Steyn also picked up two five-wicket hauls in the game finally bringing down the Australian bastion for the first time in the new millennium after a decade and half long victorious run at home.