Aussies gain revenge over South Africa

Australia remain top of the world rankings after beating South Africa by 175 runs in Durban to clinch a 2-0 lead in the three-Test series.

South Africa resumed on 244 for two, chasing an unlikely victory target of 546, but soon lost Jacques Kallis when left-arm paceman Mitchell Johnson had him caught at slip by Ricky Ponting for 93.

Peter Siddle then sent back AB de Villiers, caught behind for 84, and wickets fell regularly as the home side were dismissed for 370 shortly before tea.

"I am extremely proud of our whole group," said Aussie captain Ponting. "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.

"We have played some amazing cricket. Whenever you can bounce back from a loss against a very good side like South Africa, it is very satisfying."

Home skipper Graeme Smith, whose team won in Australia at the start of the year, said: "We have got to be honest, take it on the chin and bounce back."