Vernon Philander stars as Australia end Darren Lehmann's reign with heaviest defeat in 90 years

Australia were bowled out for 119 in pursuit of a fanciful 612 victory target in Johannesburg

South Africa romped to a 492-run victory in Johannesburg (Getty)

Vernon Philander was inspired with the ball as South Africa completed their first Test series win at home to Australia since readmission with a 492-run victory over the beleaguered tourists in Johannesburg.

Australia were bowled out for 119 in pursuit of a fanciful 612 victory target in the fourth Test after Philander bulldozed through their batting line-up on the final morning with six wickets in the space of 32 balls as South Africa took less than 90 minutes to triumph on the final day.

Darren Lehmann therefore signs off as Australia coach on a losing note and this capitulation was the final humiliation of a tour that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.

Australia carried on without former captain Steve Smith and former vice-captain David Warner, who were sacked in disgrace after the recent ball-tampering scandal, as they fell to a 3-1 series defeat.

The tourists started the day on 88 for three and lost their remaining seven wickets for 31 runs inside 17 overs as Philander finished with the remarkable figures of six for 21, and match figures of nine for 51.

Biggest Test Losses

 

675 - England def. Australia, Brisbane, 1928 

562 - Australia def. England, London, 1934 

530 - Australia def. South Africa, Melbourne, 1911 

492 - South Africa def. Australia, Johannesburg 2018 

491 - Australia def. Pakistan, Perth, 2004 

Philander struck with the first ball of the day and again three deliveries later as Shaun Marsh and then his replacement and brother Mitchell Marsh fell cheaply.

Peter Handscomb (24) was the next to fall victim to Philander as he played the ball onto his stumps, while captain Tim Paine and Pat Cummins were bowled soon after to leave Australia just 100 for eight.

Chadd Sayers was out next ball for a duck and the tail end followed suit with last man out Nathan Lyon (nine) also failing to reach double figures.

The win was sealed with the retiring Morne Morkel at the bowling crease - although he did not add to his career tally of 309 - as the Proteas celebrated a hard-earned success and their first series victory on home soil over Australia since 1970.