A depleted Australian attack secured an innings and 182-run victory over South Africa in the second Test on Thursday, wrapping up the series with a match to spare after the visitors’ batting woes were rudely exposed once more.

Needing 386 runs to make Australia bat again after the hosts had declared on a mammoth 575/8, the Proteas were bowled out for 204, with two farcical run-outs hastening their demise before tea on Day IV at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Australia’s win, their fourth in successive Tests in the home summer, shored up the top spot in the World Test Championship, while underlining their No.1 ranking in the format.

With all-rounder Cameron Green unable to bowl and Mitchell Starc with an injured middle finger on his bowling hand, Australia showed plenty of grit.

“That’s really sweet, super proud of how we kind of ‘gutsed’ it out at times,” captain Pat Cummins said.

“For Starcy to come out with a pretty big injury (and) bowl like he did ... really, really proud of this team.”

‘Stay in your crease’

The day’s play also saw Starc threatening South Africa No.3 Theunis de Bruyn with a run out at the non-striker’s end for backing up too much.

“Just stay in your crease, it’s not that hard,” Starc barked at him.

During the post-match media conference, Starc said he would consider running out players in future if he saw them taking off early.