MELBOURNE (Reuters)
Australia skipper Steve Waugh said South Africa had failed to handle the relentless pressure as they crashed to a series defeat against the world's top side.

Australia retained their top ranking with a nine-wicket victory on the fourth day of the second Test at Melbourne Cricket Ground, taking a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.

"It is nice to think that we've won the series in Australia and then we've obviously got the three Tests in South Africa," Waugh said on Saturday.

"It wouldn't have done them (South Africa) much good (psychologically), I would have thought. It was pretty comprehensive, this victory. I thought we played excellent cricket all the way through.

"The bowling was superb because it was a pretty flat wicket, there wasn't a lot in it. Overall, it was an excellent performance. We've had them under pressure constantly and it's always hard to produce the goods in that situation.

"So I like to think it was a lot of our good cricket and some of their batsmen haven't had a lot of experience playing against Australia.

"They're up against a very good, experienced side. It's hard to know whether it's our good play or South Africa not playing to their potential."

Waugh said the double-century opening stand from Matthew Hayden (138) and Justin Langer (85), their third in Australia's past five Tests, had been inspirational in Australia's first innings of 487.

"It's great to see them do well. They've had to work really hard to consolidate their positions in the side," Waugh said.

"They get on so well and they're really enjoying it. It is infectious for the rest of the side, just watching those guys go about their business."

Australia are expected to announce their team on Sunday for the third Test at Sydney Cricket Ground which starts on Wednesday.

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