Smith batted in discomfort for his three runs but managed to hold on for nearly seven overs with Makhaya Ntini (23 not out) at the other end. The duo were just 10 balls away from saving the match for their team but Mitchell Johnson finally ended Australia’s agonising wait for a consolation win by ripping through Smith’s defences in the 114th over.

But there was plenty of drama before the Aussies could actually celebrate the consolation win with Ntini riding his luck to frustrate the world champions. The Proteas pace spearhead was dropped twice after surviving a close run out attempt.

Peter Sidlle returned the best figures among the Aussie batsmen, scalping three wickets for 54 runs in his 27 overs.