Australia has taken a 1-0 lead in the Test series against South Africa, sealing a 118-run victory early on day five in Durban.

Australia had moved to the brink of victory, requiring only one more wicket when bad light stopped play on day four.

The Proteas resumed their second innings on 9-293, needing 124 runs for a famous victory.

Quinton de Kock and tailender Morne Morkel survived 22 balls before Josh Hazlewood (3-61) removed de Kock with a plumb LBW to seal the win.

The victory was Australia's sixth in 11 Tests against South Africa at Kingsmead.

The second Test begins on March 9 in Port Elizabeth.