Sydney: South Africa skipper Smith came to the rescue at the last hour but could not save the game, as Australia won the final Test, but lost the series 2-1.

Steyn and Ntini frustrated Australia superbly, and then a brave Smith came out to bat with a broken left hand. He survived 10 balls before he was bowled. Ntini remains unbeaten on 28 from 75 balls. This Test was nerve wracking, pulsating, brilliant. The pitch was scandalous but Ntini and Steyn applied themselves brilliantly

Skipper Graeme Smith came out to bat with a broken finger but could not save the match for South Africa as Australia won by 103 runs in the third and final cricket Test on Wednesday to prevent a series white-wash and retain the top spot in ICC rankings. ( Watch )

Chasing an improbable 376 for victory, the South Africans, who were 62 for one overnight, folded up for 272 just 10 balls before the scheduled close of play on the final day. However Proteas clinched the winner's trophy after triumphs in the first two matches in Perth and Melbourne.

Smith won the man of the series award for his aggregate of 326 runs and "exceptional leadership" in the series. Peter Siddle, who took eight wickets in the match declared Man of the Match.

After Australian skipper Ricky Ponting set up an exciting final with his bold declaration on the fourth day, it was left to the South Africans to make a match of it but they collapsed to 171 for five by the 71st over leaving them with no choice but to fight for a draw.

Hashim Amla (59) and A B de Villiers (56) were the top-scorers for the Proteas but it was Smith who stole the show by coming out to bat after the fall of the ninth wicket. The limited-overs series off with a Twenty20 international at Melbourne on January 11.

Brief Score: Australia 445 & 257/4d beat South Africa 327/9 & 272 (HM Amla 59, AB de Villiers 56, PM Siddle 3/54) by 103-runs.