Australia were in trouble early in their first innings, before Michael Clarke rescued them while the wicket was still playing well. Australia then bowled well, and once the wicket began to break on Day 3, South Africa 9/202 (on Day 3) and then 10/272 on Day 5. The final margin of victory - 103 runs, was less than Australia's first innings lead. Needless to say, those runs that Australia made while the wicket was still good proved to be priceless. In that respect, this was in many ways like a Test match from the sub-continent.
The one area where South Africa were disappointing, was when they bowled in the third innings. Matthew Hayden rode his luck, played a few great shots, a few ambitious ones which came off, and by the time he was dismissed, Australia had momentum and South Africa were forced to defend runs instead trying to take wickets.
Ponting's actions during the Kallis dismissal will invite much scrutiny, especially if Cricinfo's commentary is accurate about the fact that he signalled that he thought it was Out.
Australia won the dead rubber to reduce the margin to 2-1, but the fact remains that they were comprehensively beaten in the first two Tests in this series. Once South Africa got ahead at Melbourne, they didn't let Australia get back into the game. The same can be said about Perth, where Australia were bowled out for 319 in their second innings when the wicket was playing beautifully. The measure of that achievement by the South Africans can be seen by the fact that they made 414/4 in the 4th innings, and the Test Match was over in 404 overs out of the scheduled 450.
The limitations in both attacks were brought to light in the series, and both sides missed a world class spin bowler in their ranks. Part of the reason why the tail wagged so much for both sides was because of the lack of variety in the attacks.
Jean Paul Duminy was find of the series. South Africa won it quite easily in the final analysis. However, the return series will not be easy for South Africa. Australia will be back with a vengeance, with Brett Lee likely to return to full fitness. If Stuart Clark can also return to the scene of his triumphant debut in March 2006, Australia will have a strong bowling attack. Matthew Hayden has not been in good touch, but i would be quite surprised if he wasn't picked to go to South Africa.
A great series to look forward to in South Africa.