Oz takes 1-0 lead in Test series against Proteas following 281-run Centurion 'thrashing'

Australia has taken a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series against South Africa by thrashing the world's best Test team by a whopping 281 runs in their own turf, which was the worst loss South Africa has ever suffered at home in 60 years.

The incomparable fast bowling of pace sensation Mitchell Johnson pushed South Africa to the jaws of defeat as he took five second-innings wickets to lift his match tally to a career-best 12-127.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the result at Centurion Park was sealed by Nathan Lyon's run-out of Morne Morkel that dismissed the home team for 200 from 59.4 overs, nowhere near the Test-record 482 it needed to win the match or the 174 overs it needed to face to escape with a draw.

South Africa's only encouragement from its batting in the first session was the form of veteran Hashim Amla, who looked rock-solid in the 48 deliveries he faced before lunch, which included four superb boundaries, the report added.