More than just a series win

Graeme Smith8217;s composed 75-run knock set up South Africa8217;s first-ever series win in Australia as they eased to a nine-wicket victory...

Graeme Smith8217;s composed 75-run knock set up South Africa8217;s first-ever series win in Australia as they eased to a nine-wicket victory that destroyed the hosts8217; world-beating reputation.

Rain was the home side8217;s only chance on the fifth day and while there was some in the morning, play began on time. Smith quickly attacked the wilting bowling attack, and the success was sealed after lunch when Hashim Amla flicked Michael Clarke for two behind square leg.

While the visitors celebrated an unbeatable 2-0 advantage in the three-Test series following stunning comebacks in Perth and Melbourne, Ricky Ponting8217;s players were glum after giving up their fortress. Australia lost a Test series at home for the first time since 1992-93.

And if they succumb again in the third Test getting underway in Sydney on Saturday, Smith8217;s team will officially be crowned the No. 1 Test team in the world. Set 183 to win and resuming at 0-30, the Proteas reached their target one wicket down, 55 minutes after lunch.

Smith hit 10 fours from 94 balls and was out lbw to off-spinner Nathan Hauritz shortly before lunch after an opening stand of 121 with Neil McKenzie. McKenzie finished on 59 not out with Hashim Amla unbeaten on 30.

Smith came to Australia with a calm confidence and his strength and drive have been immense. In the first Test, his 108 put South Africa on track for an incredible chase of 414 and in Melbourne, his half-century ensured there would be no costly slips. Late cuts were Smith8217;s main method and he picked up ten boundaries in his 94-ball contribution to an opening stand of 121.

Inflexible Ponting

Ponting8217;s inflexibility with his bowling options continued on the fifth morning as he ignored Mitchell Johnson, Australia8217;s best bowler by far, in favour of the injured Brett Lee and novice Peter Siddle. Johnson was also fielding while Australia bowled six overs late on the fourth day and was eventually called to replace Lee, who then came on for Siddle.

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Only the use of Hauritz worked as the home side slumped towards demoralising back-to-back defeats. There was nothing Australia could do either side of lunch and Matthew Hayden8217;s poor match continued when he spilt McKenzie on 49 when he edged to first slip.

Lee-way

Paceman Lee, who has been ordered a six-week rest after this match because of a stress reaction in his left foot, opened the bowling for Australia and took 0-49 from 10 overs.

Lee left the field half an hour before the game ended. Australia8217;s woes deepened with the news that 12th man Shane Watson will be unable to bowl for six months because of stress fractures in his back. The Queenslander8217;s latest injury complicates Australia8217;s selection for the Sydney Test.

Watson had been touted as a replacement all-rounder for the struggling Andrew Symonds, who is also battling knee soreness.