This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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Australia were rolled for 119, suffering their second-heaviest defeat – in terms of runs – in test history.
The meek surrender, which came after Paine fought incredibly hard on day three while batting with a broken thumb, capped one of Australia’s most-incredible tours.
Regrettably for coach Darren Lehmann – who tearfully announced last week this would be his final match in charge – plus Steve Smith, David Warner and Cameron Bancroft, it was unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.
The shamed trio are still coming to grips with the cheating scandal, while the entire touring party in South Africa remains disillusioned.
“I thought we were going to be a hell of a lot better than what we were. Obviously it had more of an effect on guys than we knew,” Paine said.
“We’re disappointed with the way we handled it.
“We had the chance to show some real fight and determination and, unfortunately, we weren’t able to because I think, mentally, we weren’t quite there.
“There is a fair bit of disappointment and borderline embarrassment in the dressing rooms.
“There is certainly some areas of concern.”
Kagiso Rabada collected man-of-the-series honours, having shifted momentum last month with a haul of 11-150 in Port Elizabeth that helped the Proteas to level the series 1-1.
Man of the match Philander was unstoppable on Tuesday, removing the Marsh brothers in his opening over, before accounting for Peter Handscomb, Paine, Pat Cummins and Chadd Sayers.
“South Africa were outstanding … they outplayed us,” Paine said.
Australia will be without their two best batsmen for a year – depending on the result of any potential hearings.
The absence of Smith and Warner was glaring at the Wanderers.
“We’ve lost two of the best players in the world. A lot of us have got to step up and take the slack,” Paine said.
However, the tourists’ batting woes were an issue on the trip long before the former captain and vice-captain were sacked.
No Australian batsman scored a century this series. That hasn’t happened in a four-test series since Bill Lawry’s team lost 4-0 in 1970 in South Africa.
That contest was ironically South Africa’s most-recent home test series win over Australia.
South Africa had failed in seven home series against Australia since being welcomed back in 1991 to international cricket.
“This series has been remarkable. To get 80 wickets means your bowling unit is tough,” Proteas captain Faf du Plessis said.
New Zealand held their nerve to secure a dramatic draw against England in the second Test in Christchurch and claim a 1-0 series victory.
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