Australia have maintained their unbeaten Test status at home this summer and closed in on booking a spot at next year's World Test Championship final with a decisive six-wicket victory over a disappointing South Africa in Brisbane on Sunday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The win sees Australia move further ahead at the top of the World Test Championship standings, while South Africa are overtaken by India and drop to third as a result of the loss, the ICC said in a statement.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Australia now hold a 76.92 win percentage, with India (55.77) now ahead of South Africa (54.55) following their 188-run triumph over Bangladesh in Chattogram earlier in the day.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Test match was over in less than two days as Australia's strong bowling attack - with some assistance from a bowler-friendly surface at The Gabba - made light work of South Africa's batters with an impressive team performance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Skipper Pat Cummins (5\/42) and the consistent Scott Boland (2\/14) did the majority of the damage on Sunday, while Mitchell Starc (2\/26) picked up his 300th Test wicket early in the day as South Africa were skittled for just 99 in their second innings.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
South Africa caused some concern in the Australia camp when they claimed four wickets. The hosts chased down the 34 required for victory, with Marnus Labuschagne (5*) and Cameron Green (0*) guiding the side home as the Aussies clinched the opening match of the three-game series.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The battle to reach next year's World Test Championship decider at The Oval is still wide open, with South Africa a chance to reclaim second place with positive results during the remaining two Tests in Australia.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India climb World Test Championship standings after triumph over Bangladesh<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Proteas travel to Melbourne for the second Test that commences on Boxing Day, before the third and final Test of the series in Sydney early in the New Year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Australia will be keen to add to the three Test matches they have won against the West Indies and South Africa at home this summer, with a difficult trip to India for four Tests in February and March to likely to decide who claims the two spots in the World Test Championship final.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Proteas travel to Melbourne for the second Test that commences on Boxing Day, before the third and final Test of the series in Sydney early in the New Year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n