3 Mar 2009

Australian clean up South Africa in Joburg

6:00 am on 3 March 2009

The Australian cricketers have completed a memorable victory over South Africa in the opening match of their three-test series in Johannesburg.

Bidding to overturn their series loss to the Proteas at home, Australia made short work of South Africa's middle and lower order batsmen to chalk up a 162-run victory.

Set 454 to win, the home side were well placed at 178 for 2 starting the final day at the Wanderers, but they were bowled out for 291 in the second over after tea.

Mitchell Johnson was named man of the match after a superb all-round performance, picking up four wickets in each innings and achieving his highest score with 96.

The second test starts in Durban on Friday.