Hussey inspires Australia victory

First one-day international, Durban:
Australia 286-7 bt South Africa 145 all out by 141 runs
Match scorecard

Mike Hussey hit a dominant 83 for Australia

Mike Hussey's 83 and 4-29 from spinner Nathan Hauritz helped Australia to a record 141-run win over South Africa in the opening one-day international.

Australia made 286-7 with Hussey's haul coming off 79 balls, while Brad Haddin also chipped in with 53 in Durban.

South Africa quickly lost the wicket of Hashim Amla but Graeme Smith did his best with 52 before Hauritz ran though the tail.

It was South Africa's worst defeat by Australia in the 50-over game.

The result was enough to send Australia back to the top of the ODI world rankings in place of South Africa.

The Proteas went into the match just a point clear at the top of the standings and they will regain the top spot if they win the five-match series.

Hussey ended a poor run of recent form as he helped guide Australia to a decent first-innings total that at one stage looked unlikely.

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Opening batsman Haddin and Hussey's younger brother David were both run-out in a chaotic spell as Australia found themselves in trouble at 114-4.

But Haddin's earlier haul, and that of Hussey's, along with a valuable 37 from captain Ricky Ponting and a quick-fire 35 from bowler James Hopes, saw Australia record a decent 286-7.

In reply, South Africa captain Smith made an attacking 52 and put on 74 off 72 balls for the second wicket with Herschelle Gibbs (33).

But the hosts lost their way against accurate bowling from medium-pacer Hopes and off-spinner Hauritz.

Smith chipped back a return catch to Hauritz after making 52 off 56 balls as South Africa collapsed, making just 141 before being bowled out with 16.5 overs remaining.

"We were outplayed in all departments," said South Africa captain Smith.

"But this defeat does not turn us into a bad side and I am confident that we will be able to bounce back on Sunday."