Australia clinched the series over South Africa to remain the No. 1-ranked Test team in the world, beating the Proteas by 175 runs yesterday to lead 2-0 with one match left to play.

Fast bowler Peter Siddle and part-time wrist spinner Simon Katich took three wickets each as South Africa lost seven wickets for 126 to be dismissed for 370-9 just before tea at Kingsmead, with captain Graeme Smith unable to bat due to a fractured left little finger.

Resuming on 244-2, South Africa needed Jacques Kallis and A.B. de Villiers to occupy the crease but both were out in the first hour of play.

Kallis was out in the sixth over for 93, edging a climbing delivery from Johnson, slanted across him, to captain Ricky Ponting at second slip to end a 187-run stand with De Villiers in 57 overs. Kallis had been dropped the previous over on 88, Michael Clarke uncharacteristically spilling a sitter at point off the bowling of Ben Hilfenhaus.

The third Test starts March 19 in Cape Town.