So, going into the fourth and final test in Johannesburg, which starts on Friday, Australia have lost the series and have only pride to play for, but in the wake of this week's events, even that might be a stretch. Sias Du Plessis takes a look at the upcoming match and its significance in a troubling week for test cricket.

The Proteas have the upper hand going into the final test that starts in Johannesburg this week, not only is confidence at an all-time high, but psychologically the home side are in a far better place than the beleaguered Australians and captain Faf du Plessis believes the shift in momentum occurred after the first test defeat in Durban.

FAF DU PLESSIS SOUTH AFRICA CAPTAIN "Definitely after that first test there was a lot of? I wouldn't say frustration but more motivation the guys were really pumped up after the stuff that what happened there and you probably shouldn't need more motivation to try and beat an Australian team there is a lot of motivation there already."

It was a special test occasion for Man of the Man, Morne Morkel, who took 9 wickets as well as surpassing the special milestone of 300th test wickets.

MORNE MORKEL SOUTH AFRICA BOWLER "The crowd is always amazing here at Newlands for me personally this is the best to play test cricket, so today is a highlight in my life I think if I get asked the question again what is your most memorable or special day? It is definitely today."

The Proteas skipper maintains that his side will not ease the pressure on their opposition as he believes the Australians are incredibly vulnerable ahead of the match at the Bull Ring.

FAF DU PLESSIS SOUTH AFRICA CAPTAIN "For us as a team it is trying to find areas where we can have an edge on them on that and that is generally when you have an opportunity in the game and you have the opportunity to put your foot on the gas that you do it and you don't miss that opportunity once you do that it is difficult or a little bit more difficult to come back."

SIAS DU PLESSIS JOHANNESBURG "The Proteas are on the verge of what would be a historic first test series win over their fierce rivals on South African soil since the rainbow nation's readmission to International sport and the home side certainly won't be lacking in motivation when taking on a wounded and depleted opposition at a venue where they have not beaten the visitors in a test in almost 5 decades, Sias du Plessis, CGTN, Johannesburg."