DURBAN,  (Reuters) – Australia clinched a series win  over South Africa and remained top of the world rankings after  completing a crushing 175-run victory on the fifth and final day  of the second test  yesterday.

South Africa resumed on 244 for two, chasing an improbable  victory target of 546 to square the series 1-1, and quickly lost  Jacques Kallis for 93 when paceman Mitchell Johnson found the  edge with the new ball and slip Ricky Ponting took the catch.

AB de Villiers, who had put on 187 for the third wicket with  Kallis, then fell for 84 as he pushed forward at fast bowler  Peter Siddle and was caught behind by Brad Haddin.Wickets continued to come regularly and South Africa were  eventually bowled out 15 minutes before tea for 370.

“I am extremely proud of our whole group,” Australia captain  Ponting told the post-match presentation. “Coming here we had  our backs to the wall but we decided we would give ourselves a  really good chance of being competitive in this series.