Warne went after the tourists' middle order

Jacques Kallis was the last to go, foolishly run out for 99 when going for the run that would have taken him to a deserved century.

Three wickets fell for 24 runs in the afternoon session as Shane Warne ripped through the tourists' middle order.

With only Kallis offering any real resistance, South Africa never looked like avoiding another thumping defeat.

Brett Lee removed both openers early on and the Aussies never looked back.

Lee had Herschelle Gibbs caught behind for 21 after seeing Gary Kirsten pouched by Ricky Ponting at third slip for just 10.

Warne then dismissed the unlucky Boeta Dippenaar when the youngster clipped the ball straight into Hayden's midriff at short leg.

Prodded edge

Kallis led the fight-back but lost partner Neil McKenzie for 12 shortly after lunch.

Warne spun one across McKenzie, who prodded an edge to the delighted Gilchrist behind the stumps.

Glenn McGrath trapped an uncertain Lance Klusener lbw before Warne induced Mark Boucher (0) into an injudicious attempted drive - which ended in the safe hands of Mark Waugh at slip.

Skipper Shaun Pollock delayed the inevitable for a while but was slow to respond when Kallis called him for a quick single and was run out with a direct hit from Damien Martyn at cover.

Claude Henderson was the next to go, snaffled at slip by the ever-reliable Mark Waugh off McGrath for 16.

And Andy Bichel got in on the act, castling Alan Donald as Australia's win became inevitable.

Earlier, the home side were all out without adding to their overnight total of 487.

Glenn McGrath was bowled by Shaun Pollock for a duck, leaving Adam Gilchrist high and dry on 30 not out.

South Africa: Gary Kirsten, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Neil McKenzie, Boeta Dippenaar, Lance Klusener, Mark Boucher, Shaun Pollock (captain), Claude Henderson, Nantie Hayward, Allan Donald.

Umpires: Eddie Nichols, West Indies, and Darrell Hair, Australia.

Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle, Sri Lanka.