Graeme Smith's heroics were not enough to prevent a jubilant Australian cricket team bowling their way to victory over South Africa at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Mitchell Johnson bowled Proteas captain Graeme Smith, batting at number eleven thanks to a broken thumb he sustained in the first innings, in the second last over of the last day to secure Australia's only win of the three-test series.

Tail-ender Mkaya Ntini was unbeaten on 28 (from 75 balls) after surviving earlier when Matthew Hayden put down a difficult chance in the slips after edging one off Australian left armer Doug Bollinger.

The home side has largely controlled the fifth day, with Peter Siddle staking his claim for the man of the match award after taking three wickets in stifling conditions.

Siddle took five wickets in South Africa's first innings. Resuming at 1-62, the Proteas suffered a triple blow before lunch on the final day as Australia's rookies provided a glimpse of the future.

Opening the bowling, debut paceman Doug Bollinger struck in the third over of the day, dismissing Neil McKenzie (27) for only his second Test wicket.

Victorian allrounder Andrew McDonald was brought into the attack with almost immediate effect, snaring heavyweight Jacque Kallis (4) in a display of athleticism that brought the home crowd to its feet. McDonald, 194cm tall, was forced to dive low and to his right to dismiss Kallis caught and bowled, with television replays showing only his fingers separated the ball from the ground.

Nathan Hauritz also tasted success early in his first spell, dismissing dangerman Hashim Amla. Despite a difficult pitch that was keeping low, Amla seemed to be scoring at ease and had amassed 59 runs when he spooned a ball to short leg.

Mitchell Johnson has also chimed in, dimissing talented left-hand batsman JP Duminy and bowling Graeme Smith to seal a fantastic Australian victory.

AAP