Sports

Proteas hammer Aussie, win series

AFP

South Africa demolished Australia by an innings and 80 runs after yet another batting collapse to claim their third successive Test series Down Under on Tuesday, piling the pressure on coach Darren lehmann and captain Steve Smith.

The Proteas bowled out the home side for 161 before lunch on the fourth day, taking their last eight wickets for 32 in 116 balls after routing Australia for 85 in the first innings.

The latest overpowering victory followed a 177-run win against Smith's shattered team in the first Perth Test, with South Africa emulating the intimidating West Indies teams of the 1980-1990s with three straight series wins in Australia.

"This cricket team is a tough team to get a win against them on their home soil," said South African captain Faf du Plessis.

"So to come here and do it is special for us. To win a series 2-0 with one game to play, I am very proud of the way the team is moving forward."

The second innings destruction heaped more pressure on Smith and lehmann and increased calls for significant team changes for the final day-night Test against the tourists in Adelaide next week.

It was Australia's fifth consecutive Test defeat this year, after also losing all three Tests in Sri lanka in August.