Shane Warne took four wickets in South Africa's second innings

Australia needed just six balls after lunch to secure victory over South Africa in the second Test in Melbourne.

The home side eased to a 184-run win after the tourists were dismissed for 181 in their second innings despite an unbeaten 67 from Shaun Pollock.

Makhaya Ntini, batting with a runner, was the final man to fall, with spinner Stuart MacGill taking the wicket.

South Africa started the final day on 99-6, needing 366 to win, but lost three wickets for 81 runs before lunch.

Ashwell Prince was the first man to go, dismissed by leg spinner Shane Warne after making 26, although there was controversy surrounding his dismissal.

Hussey and McGrath's partnership on day two has been the defining moment of the Test match Australia captain Ricky Ponting More Australia quotes

Warne's delivery appeared to strike Prince on the arm before falling into the hands of Matthew Hayden at slip.

But the umpire ruled that Prince had made contact with the ball with either bat or glove.

Nicky Boje quickly followed for 13 after chopping a Glenn McGrath delivery onto his stumps.

And Andre Nel made just two before falling to McGrath after edging a ball to wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist.

Ntini, who came on to bat despite suffering from a knee strain, did not last long before falling soon after lunch.

Warne claimed the most wickets in South Africa's second innings, taking four for 74, while paceman McGrath ended with three for 44.

Warne finished with six in the match, one more than all-rounder Andrew Symonds, who also hit 72 runs from 54 balls in Australia's second innings.

Skipper Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey starred in the home side's first innings.

Ponting made 117 while Hussey smashed 122, sharing a crucial 107-run stand for the last wicket with McGrath.

Australia, who drew the first Test, take a 1-0 lead into the final match in Sydney, which begins on Monday.