All over: Langer and Hayden celebrate

Kirsten was given a standing ovation by the Sydney crowd for his stubborn 353-ball stay, which was laced with crisp driving and powerful square cuts.

Memories of 1994 when Australia failed to make 117 to win then came flooding back as Shaun Pollock's smashing innings of 61 not out at the death carried South Africa into the lead.

But Pollock's partner, Allan Donald, cross-batted a Shane Warne turner and only managed to give a skied catch. It was an undistinguished exit for the champion fast bowler.

Australia were left to chase only 52, but the pitch was playing very well and a figure of 300 would still have been in reach.

Their big first innings score, built on the back of another double ton opening by Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer, set up the win.

But they were also aided by the barren captaincy of Pollock. Rarely have I seen such poor fields set to spin bowling on a responsive pitch.

Pollock's captaincy was uninspired at times

Matthew Hayden was named Man of the Series, and along with his sidekick Langer was jointly the Man of the Match.

The two leg-spinners plan worked well for Australia, with Stuart MacGill and Shane Warne taking 13 wickets between them.

But the crowds were generous in their appreciation of home side and opponents alike, especially South Africa's Justin Ontong, who was only selected for political reasons, but was given significant applause on entry and departure in both innings.

He did not look out of his depth at this level in making 32 in his second innings and I'm sure he will make many more appearances for South Africa in more conducive circumstances.

They undoubtedly have some talented youngsters in the batting department.

Finding an adequate replacement for Donald, however, is another matter. Although he only took one wicket in the game, he remains a classy performer and still their number one.