Australia snatched victory in the Third Test against South Africa in Sydney with just 10 balls remaining today despite Graeme Smith bravely batting with a broken finger.

The Aussies, having lost the first two matches of the three-Test series, salvaged a consolation 103-run victory after dismissing the tourists for 272 on the fifth day at the SCG. But South Africa almost went home undefeated thanks to a gritty 55-run stand for the ninth wicket between Makhaya Ntini and Dale Steyn and Smith deciding to play through the pain barrier.

The skipper, having not taken his place at the top of the order in the second innings, surprisingly came in at No11 with 50 balls remaining in the day's play and hung on grimly only to be eventually dismissed by Mitchell Johnson for three in the penultimate over.

Smith (below) said his decision to bat was a tribute to the efforts of his tailenders.

"The context for me walking out was set up by the two guys before me," he said. "They showed real character on a wicket that had deteriorated a hell of a lot over the last five days."

South Africa entered the final day needing a further 314 runs to pull off an improbable win having progressed to 62 for one at stumps on day four.

But any hope of a victory disappeared when the tourists lost Neil McKenzie (27), Jacques Kallis (four) and Hashim Amla (59) in the opening session.

The hosts then removed JP Duminy (16), Mark Boucher (four) and AB de Villiers (56) to leave the Proteas on 193 for seven at tea.

Paul Harris (six) went lbw to Peter Siddle after the break to leave the South Africans 202 for eight but Steyn and Ntini held out for over 17 overs before Steyn was removed lbw by Andrew McDonald for 28.

Australia's win means they remain top of the ICC's Test rankings.