Vernon Philander. Pic/AFP

South Africa rode on paceman Vernon Philander's sensational spell (6/21) to thrash Australia by 492 runs in the final Test and clinch the four-match series 3-1 at the Wanderers Stadium here on Tuesday. This is the Proteas' first Test series win at home over Australia since 1970. Many were wondering whether Morne Morkel would produce an outstanding swansong on his final day as a South Africa Test cricketer, but he was robbed of the limelight by his fellow quick Philander.