Historic victory for Aussies

Australia edged to a 3-0 series clean sweep in the third and final Test against South Africa, despite some gutsy bowling from the hosts on the fifth day in Johannesburg.

Man-of-the-match Brett Lee and Michael Kasprowicz steered the Aussies to a two-wicket victory, injured opener Justin Langer spared the decision of whether to defy medical advice and come in had either of the tailenders been dismissed.

Australia started the morning 44 runs short of their target of 292, with Damien Martyn and Lee at the crease.

South Africa's bowling was straight and accurate - and Jacques Kallis, standing in for injured captain Graeme Smith, soon took the new ball.

Martyn, Australia's last recognised batsman, moved calmly to three figures - having finished the fourth day on 93 not out.

His 13th Test hundred was the backbone of the Australian run chase.

Martyn faced 208 deliveries - but with his side on 258, his departure gave the Proteas hope.

Shaun Pollock had already troubled Martyn more than once before finally getting his man when he nipped one back for an lbw verdict.

Makhaya Ntini dug one in to have Stuart Clark skying a catch to wicketkeeper Mark Boucher - bringing Kasprowicz in to join Lee.

The same pair had been in a similar situation in last summer's Ashes - when Kasprowicz was dismissed by Steve Harmison as Australia lost a momentous Test by two runs at Edgbaston.

This time, though, Lee (24no) and Kasprowicz managed to muster the remaining 17 runs required.