How South Africa crushed Australia in the 2nd Test

After Mitchell Johnson’s fiery bowling in the first Test that South Africa lost, it looked like the Proteas would find it difficult to make a strong comeback.

However, they wronged the doubters and made a mockery of Australia to win the second Test inside four days by 231 runs and level the series.

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The world's top-ranked team came under under-fire after their crushing 281-run defeat in the opening Test, but skipper Graeme Smith was proud at the way his players responded and set up a thrilling third and final match in Cape Town, starting Saturday.

"We have had to draw on past experiences in this match to find a way to win," Smith said, after South Africa bowled Australia out for 216 in their second innings on the fourth day.

"It has been a difficult week for us after the Pretoria Test. We knew we needed to be smart and clinical and work on good ideas on how we could respond.

"I would say not many teams could respond in the way we did but it is something this side has done before," added Smith.

Having set a daunting victory target of 448, South Africa were on the backfoot when the tourists raced to 126 without loss, but fired-up paceman Dale Steyn suddenly got the ball to reverse-swing and claimed four victims as Australia lost 10 wickets for 90 runs.

"Dale always ranges from very angry to extremely angry when he bowls," Smith joked.

"But it was a hell of an effort from all the bowlers.

"The intensity they showed with the ball on a wicket that did not do that much was amazing. To get nine wickets in a session is remarkable.

"We always know Dale is one spell away from being able to create something for us. It is great to see that when the game is on the line he can respond like that."

Smith had an ominous warning for the Australians too.

"Dale was carrying an injury going into this series," revealed the captain.

"He did not bowl much in the lead-up to the first Test and he's going to get better and better the more he bowls and the more we play."

Smith, though, was annoyed with the number of catches his side put down in Port Elizabeth.

"We actually took about 28 wickets in this Test, which is a great effort from our bowlers," he added.