Batsman Hashim Amla was characteristically modest in his acceptance of the Man-of-the-Match award, after South Africa romped to a resounding 309-run triumph - and one-nil series victory - over Australia on day four of the third and final Test on Monday.

Amla's outstanding knock of 196, which also saw him pass 1,000 Test runs for the calendar year, was imperative to a second-innings total of 569 all out in Perth, leaving the opposition a hefty 632-run target.

The right-hander's brisk 221-ball vigil included 21 boundaries, and enjoyed key stands of 178, 81 and 149 with captain Graeme Smith, all-rounder Jacques Kallis and fellow centurion AB de Villiers respectively.

Australia's response proved entirely insufficient, with opener Ed Cowan's 53 and tail-ender Mitchell Starc's rearguard 68 not out as good as it got in a total of 322 all out - and the result saw South Africa retain the number one Test ranking.

"I am just glad to make a contribution in a winning cause. Experience always helps. I'm very fortunate that this year has gone well. We've got a great bunch of guys and support staff as well. Fortunately, we came here as the number one ranked team," said Amla.

The Proteas were largely outplayed in Brisbane, where a double-century from captain Michael Clarke couldn't bring a win for the hosts. A dogged century from debutant Faf du Plessis then forced a draw for the Proteas in Adelaide, ensuring the third and final match as the series decider.

Amla paid tribute to team-mate Du Plessis, who was drafted into the XI as a late replacement after batsman JP Duminy ruptured his Achilles heel during the series opener at the Gabba.

The right-handed Du Plessis' arrival to the Test XI worked a treat, with scores of 78, 110 not out, 78 and 27 attesting to the talent of the 28-year old from Pretoria.

"The first two Tests hardened us up. It was an awesome experience. Faf came into the team after JP got injured. The way he performed was a tribute to the South African spirit. He really set it up," concluded Amla.