Australia wrap up 118-run win over South Africa

Australia needed just 22 balls and 20 minutes of play on the fifth and final day at Kingsmead in Durban to secure a 118-run triumph over South Africa in the opener of their four-match series Monday. The visitor required a single wicket to secure success after South Africa resumed on 293 for nine, chasing an improbable victory target of 417. Five runs were added by the home side before Quinton de Kock was hit on the back pad and trapped leg before wicket by Josh Hazlewood (3-61) as he tried to launch the ball over the boundary. Mitchell Starc earlier had a chance to complete a hat-trick with the first ball of the day after being denied by bad light Sunday but bowled down the leg side to De Kock, who was eventually out for 83 after adding two to his overnight tally. Morne Morkel was not out on three as Starc (4-75) finished with nine wickets in the match.

??? Congratulations ? Mitchell Starc - MAN OF THE MATCH for his outstanding 9 wickets sealing victory for Australia in the first test.

Australia lead the 4 match series 1-0. #SAvAUS #SABCcricket @CricketAus pic.twitter.com/QlzSyyNPps— SABC Sport (@SPORTATSABC) March 5, 2018

Australia's win has been overshadowed by a heated off-field exchange between players at the tea interval on the fourth day, which the International Cricket Council is investigating, as well as a charge for spinner Nathan Lyon. CCTV footage from the players' tunnel showed Australia vice-captain David Warner and home wicket-keeper De Kock involved in a fiery exchange as players climbed the stairwell to their dressing rooms during the break. The video shows Warner being restrained by Australia batsman Usman Khawaja and spin bowler Lyon as he directs a verbal barrage at De Kock, who left the field as South Africa's not-out batsman at the same time as the Australians. In a separate incident, Lyon dropped a ball on prone batsman AB de Villiers after he was run out prior to lunch Sunday as South Africa's top order collapsed in their run chase. Lyon faced an ICC sanction after being charged by match referee Jeff Crowe, officials said Monday.

#CSAnews Australia wrap up First Test in 22 balls https://t.co/DgM3uoOISX #SAvAUS #SunfoilTest pic.twitter.com/0y4jD6WPX8

— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) March 5, 2018

It sets up an intriguing rematch in the second Test, which starts Friday at St George's Park in Port Elizabeth, with Tests to follow at Newlands in Cape Town and the Wanderers in Johannesburg.BRIEF SCOREAustralia 351 & 227 beat South Africa 162 & 298 in 92.4 overs (Markram 143, Starc 4/75) by 118 runs