Aussies save face,and record too

Mitchell Johnson finished 40 not out in a matchwinning role with the bat after he had faced huge criticism throughout the five days for his misfiring bowling form. Veterans Haddin and Ricky Ponting,who made 62 in Australia’s second innings,also responded to harsh criticism to perform when it counted and ensure Australia — against the odds — has still not lost a series in South Africa since 1970.

“We’ve had some ups and downs in this series,’’ captain Michael Clarke said,referring to Australia’s 47 all out in its spectacular loss in the first Test in Cape Town. “I couldn’t be happier with this result. Mitchell was outstanding,Pat Cummins was fantastic.’’

In a nerve-jangling climax to a series that delivered on all its promises beforehand to be exciting and closely fought,leg-spinner Imran Tahir had a close appeal against Cummins turned down second ball from the end as South Africa made one final,desperate push.

Cummins pulled the next ball through midwicket and to the boundary to play a pivotal and man of the match-winning role in one of Australia’s finest Test wins in his first match. The teenager also took 6-79 in South Africa’s second innings,the best bowling debut by an Australian in Tests.

“A little bit nervous when I came in,’’ Cummins said of his innings. “But Johnno (Johnson) said ‘keep a clear head’. This,as a Test match debut,has been unbelievable.’’

South Africa was expected to close out victory in the final Test for a 2-0 series whitewash after setting the tourists a daunting 310 to win the match and save the series. No team had made more than 294 at Wanderers in the fourth innings to win a Test before.

Ponting fell early on Monday after adding only eight to his overnight score — and after a three-hour rain delay added more drama — leaving Australia on 165-5 and way off victory.

Mike Hussey (39) and Haddin put together a 50-run partnership before tea,Haddin and Johnson combined for an attacking 72 run-stand and Cummins kept his nerve in grinding pressure at the end.

“We both threw a lot of punches but we’ve ended level again,’’ South Africa captain Graeme Smith said. “To chase 310,their guys stepped up. It’s wonderful to see cricket played like this.’’

Brief scores: Australia 296 and 310/8 (Usman Khawaja 65,Ricky Ponting 62,Brad Haddin 55; Vernon Philander 5-70) beat South Africa 266 and 339 by 2 wickets.