Australia snatch two-wicket victory

Johannesburg, November 22 (AFP): Teenage fast bowler Pat Cummins sealed a dream Test debut when he hit the winning runs to take Australia to a two-wicket win in the second and final Test against South Africa at the Wanderers Stadium on Monday. Australia chased down a target of 310 to share the series. Cummins, who took six for 79 in South Africa's second innings, was named man of the match. Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin (55) and left-handed fast bowler Mitchell Johnson (40 not out) were mainly responsible for their team reaching the target, putting on 72 for the seventh wicket after all Australia's specialist batsmen had been dismissed with 95 still needed. South African opening bowler Vernon Philander claimed his second five- wicket haul in his second Test to keep South Africa in with a chance of winning but did not get enough support from his more experienced teammates. Philander took five for 70. Philander bowled Australian Michael Clarke in the fourth over of the day after only three runs had been added to the overnight 142 for three. Australia suffered a major blow 20 runs later when Ricky Ponting was caught at second slip off Morne Morkel for 62, having added only eight runs off 34 balls as the bowlers took advantage of helpful overcast conditions. But Mike Hussey and Haddin put together a watchful sixth wicket partnership of 50 and with the sun starting to beat down on the ground the odds seemed to be swinging slightly in favour of Australia. There was yet another twist in a match of fluctuating fortunes when Philander was brought back shortly before tea and trapped Hussey leg before wicket for 39 with a ball which swung into the left-hander. Hussey sought a television review but there was no reprieve as umpire Billy Bowden's decision was shown to be correct. It left Haddin and the hard-hitting Johnson to revive Australia's hopes. Haddin seldom looked secure early on as he played and missed several times and was hit on the helmet by a bouncer from Dale Steyn. But he grew in confidence after tea as he and Johnson attacked the bowling. South Africa first innings: 266 Australia first innings: 296 South Africa second innings: 339 Australia second innings: Extras: (b1, lb7, nb7, w4) 19 Total: (8 wkts, 86.5 overs) 310 Result: Australia won by two wickets Series: The two-match series was tied 1-1