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Third Test, Sydney, day four: Australia 554 & 54-0 beat South Africa 154 & 456 by 10 wickets

Fighting knocks by Gary Kirsten and Shaun Pollock failed to save South Africa from their first series whitewash in 70 years as they lost by 10 wickets to Australia in Sydney.

Kirsten made a superb 153 and captain Pollock blazed an unbeaten 61 to prevent his side suffering an innings defeat, but Australian openers Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden easily knocked off the 52 runs needed to win the series 3-0.

Kirsten hit 20 fours compiling his 14th test century, which put him level with Darryl Cullinan as South Africa's most prolific century maker in Tests as well as breaking Jim Zulch's record for the highest score by a South African at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

But he was finally out dragging a wide delivery from Stuart MacGill back on to his stumps, ending a seven and a quarter hour innings, with the score on 372.

South Africa, resuming on 209 for two, got off to a bad start when they lost Jacques Kallis in the third over of the day.

Ontong had little luck in his debut Test
Ontong could not bear to watch the post-match presentations

Kallis botching an attempted sweep off Shane Warne after South Africa had added just two runs to the overnight score and was caught behind by Adam Gilchrist for 34.

Neil McKenzie and Justin Ontong shared in stands of 71 and 74 respectively with Kirsten as South Africa fought back.

But Australia chipped away with MacGill removing McKenzie and Warne ending Ontong's brave innings of 32, the latter a contentious lbw decision with the batsman well down the wicket.

It was the second time Ontong had been on the receiving end, having been given out lbw in the first innings to a ball which Tv replays suggested had been missing leg stump.

Mark Boucher and Nicky Boje departed in quick succession, leaving South Africa teetering on the brink at 403 for eight at tea, a lead of just three runs.

Pollock clubs the ball to the fence
Pollock played a spirited innings for his side

But Pollock refused to capitulate, blasting five fours and two sixes in his half century, as he put on 49 for the last wicket with Allan Donald.

Their stand finally came to an end when Donald skied an attempted sweep-slog off Warne, giving him figures of three for 132.

But he was out-performed by MacGill, who claimed four for 123 to finish with seven wickets in the match.

The end was swift in Australia's second innings as Langer (30) and Hayden (22) then knocked off the runs needed for victory inside 11 overs.

Australia: Matthew Hayden, Justin Langer, Ricky Ponting, Mark Waugh, Steve Waugh (capt), Damien Martyn, Adam Gilchrist, Shane Warne, Brett Lee, Glenn McGrath, Stuart MacGill. Andy Bichel (12th man).

South Africa: Gary Kirsten, Herschelle Gibbs, Jacques Kallis, Boeta Dippenaar, Neil McKenzie, Justin Ontong, Mark Boucher, Shaun Pollock (captain), Nicky Boje, Claude Henderson, Allan Donald. Steve Elworthy (12th man).

Umpires: David Shepherd (Eng), Daryl Harper (Aus)
TV umpire: Simon Taufel (Aus)
Match referee: Ranjan Madugalle (Sri).


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