In absence of Steve Smith, South Africa destroy Australia by 492 runs in last Test

South Africa beat Australia by 492 runs on the fifth day of the fourth Test at the Wanderers Stadium on Tuesday to win the controversy-driven Test series by 3-1 against scandal hit tourists.

Australians were playing in the absence of their regular skipper Steve Smith as he was given a 12-month ban by Cricket Australia and 1 match ban by International Cricket Council for his involvement in the ball-tampering scandal that happened in the third Test match.

Vernon Philander grabbed six wickets in a devastating spell of swing bowling as South Africa crushed Australia by a record 492 runs.

South African pacer Kagiso Rabada was awarded 'Player of the Series' and Vernon Philander was awarded 'Player of the Match' for his economical bowling in the last Test match.

"The game will always find a way to humble you, so you never stop learning,” said Kagiso Rabada.

The South African skipper said, "Since that first Test match, the guys were extremely motivated to come back."

Australian tried to draw the match and end the tour with a positive not but Philander ripped through their middle and lower order to finish with career-best figures of 6-21 and move to 204 test wickets.

South Africa completed their biggest victory over the Australians in tests in terms of runs, and also completed their first home series win over the demoralised visitors since 1970.

Morne Morkel, playing in his last Test, dismissed both opening batsmen in an impressive eight-over spell despite heavy strapping around his midriff.

Scorecard:

Final scores on the fifth day of the fourth Test between South Africa and Australia at the Wanderers Stadium on Tuesday:

South Africa, first innings, 488

Australia, first innings, 221

South Africa, second innings, 344-6 dec

Australia, second innings, 119

Result: South Africa won by 492 runs

Series: South Africa won 3-1