South Africa vs Australia 2016: Faf du Plessis says Kagiso Rabada was phenomenal in the Perth Test

If there is a team which deserves to find a place next to the devastating West Indies side when it comes to challenging and beating Australia in their own den, it is South Africa.

Ever since the 2008/09 series, the Proteas have dominated whenever they have been to Aussi shores, having lost just one of their last six Tests( before the just concluded one at Perth) and showed why they are as good as they are in those conditions, by beating them once again, this time by 177 runs.

The star of the show for the visitors was 21-year-old fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, who displayed maturity above his years to lead the bowling attack, picking up a match haul of 7 for 170 to guide his side to a win and also clinch the Player of the Match award.

“Very proud about the team, we lost Dale, he's a key aspect of the team. everyone in the team did their part and we came out victories. all bowlers had a job to do, that was to take wickets. when Dale was gone, we had to do extra. Little bit of a bowlers paradise but still a bit flat though. I can confidently say there won't be a lot of bowling in the next couple of days,” Rabada said after the game.

From an Australian point of view, they would hope to forget this game as quickly as they can before heading to Hobart for the second Test and admitting that fact, skipper Steve Smith said that the batting of the visitors in the second innings proved to be decisive in the end and cost them the game eventually.

“Been disappointment, but credit to them. Duminy and Elgar, the way they batted. it cost us the match. we have to play better cricket against a quality South African side always great coming up against a great opposition. we've got to turn around quickly,” he said.

There was no such feeling withing Faf du Plessis, however, who heaped praise on his young seamer and also appreciated the effort put in by the rest of the side in their big win.

“Its never easy with two seamers. Rabada was phenomenal. we were disappointed on Day 1. Since then we were incredible. There was the nice big partnership between Elgar and Duminy. Maharaj was amazing for us, bowled a beautiful line & length and make sure scoreboard didn't tick quickly for Australia. Always import for tail to contribute,” he said.

Australia have been dealt an even bigger blow with Shaun Marsh ruled out of the next Test. Joe Burns and Callum Ferguson have been brought in as cover for the left-hander.

The teams now move to Hobart for the second game, starting from the 12^th of November.