He was almost understating things when he described the overall performance as 'outstanding.'

It was, he said, 'very pleasing' to see his side achieve such a crushing victory inside three days on a track which held no real devils for batsmen - but did give some reward to top class bowling.

But South Africa, in mitigation, were almost unbelievably poor.

And Waugh knew that too. "It was probably a bit easier than we expected," he said.

"We certainly batted very well. South Africa probably wouldn't be very happy with their bowling and we took all our catches. It finished pretty quickly.

"We scored quickly on a difficult wicket and played good positive cricket. It really was an outstanding performance."

Of Adam Gilchrist's sublime 204 not out - the fastest double hundred ever - he said: "We are getting used to it from Gilly.

"He's scored five Test match centuries and they are five of the best you will ever see. He's a once-in-a-generation cricketer."

'The pressure told'

Mark Boucher, forced to captain South Africa in the absence of regular skipper Shaun Pollock who was injured, refused to throw in the towel - though how South Africa win the series from here is anyone's guess.

"Throughout the three days they put us under a lot of pressure," he admitted. "The pressure told and we folded."

The crestfallen wicket-keeper added: "Much credit must go to the Australians. They bowled well and really outplayed us in this Test.

"We've got to try to restore some pride in South African cricket and put up a bit of a better fight.

"I know the guys are keen and trust me we'll be back in the next two (Tests.)"