Australia assistant coach Scott Wisemantel has resigned from his position just eight months out from the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Wisemantel returned to Australia's coaching set up in December 2019 after spending 18 months in a similar role with England.

In a big blow for the Wallabies ahead of the World Cup in France, they are now seeking a new right-hand man for head coach Dave Rennie.

Wisemantel confirmed in a statement on Rugby Australia's official website on Thursday that the decision was down to personal reasons.

"While this has been a very difficult decision, it's one that's best for me and my family at this point in time," he said.

"The World Cup is the pinnacle of our sport and requires 100-per-cent commitment and that's something I'm unfortunately unable to give at the moment.

"I've loved being with this team under Dave and wish them all the best for their season and in the World Cup later this year."

Wisemantel boasts 20 years of coaching experience and has worked as an assistant at the past four World Cups with Australia, Samoa, Japan and 2019 finalists England.

Australia boss Rennie is disappointed to have lost a key member of his staff but understands the decision.

"Scott's a top man and one of the best coaches I've ever worked with," Rennie said. 

"He's hugely respected around the world, has a mountain of experience at International level and an incredible rapport with our players.

"While we did all we could to try and keep Scott, we respect his decision and wish him, Gabs and the girls all the best.

"He's been a massive part of this group for the past three years and we'll miss him."

Australia concluded their 2022 campaign with three defeats from their five November internationals, having also finished third in the Rugby Championship.

The Wallabies will face Wales, Fiji, Georgia and Portugal in the pool phase of the 2023 Rugby World Cup, which gets under way on September 8.

Cameron Green thinks he and Mitchell Starc will be "touch and go" to be fit for the start of a four-match Test series against India.

Green underwent surgery after breaking his right index finger during a victory over South Africa in the Boxing Day Test at the MCG.

Starc damaged his middle finger in the same match in Melbourne, with both players missing out as Australia attempt to secure a 3-0 whitewash of the Proteas at the SCG.

Australia start the first Test against India in Nagpur on February 9 and Green believes that contest could come too soon for himself and paceman Starc.

He told SEN WA: "I think me and Starcy are maybe touch and go for that first one but obviously we'll give ourselves the best chance.

"[It's] going well. Had successful surgery in Sydney and the surgeon is really happy with how it went. I think he did Tim Paine's successful surgery, so it fills me with a lot of confidence.

"The rehab is having two weeks of time [off], then two weeks to start running and get the shoulder and back moving just to double-check they haven't frozen over. Then probably at the four-week mark I'll try and hold a ball and see how that works.

"Try and hold a cricket bat and see how it feels. At the moment [the finger] feels really good, pain-free, so that gives me a bit of confidence in four weeks' time that it will be all good.

"We meet over in Sydney for the Allan Border Medal [ceremony], then we leave the next day to go to India."

Starc also dismissed talk that he may not be able to bowl for the Mumbai Indians at the start of his first Indian Premier League campaign.

He said: "No, that's not correct. I've heard about this for quite a while now. I don't know where it's come from. We've spoken to the selectors. I've heard that I'm 100 per cent available for both skill sets in the IPL at the start, so I'm not too sure where that's come from.

"Obviously my first priority is the Test series that's beforehand, getting myself right for the first Test."

Steve Smith is unsure how long he will carry on playing for Australia after surpassing the great Don Bradman's tally of Test centuries at the SCG on Thursday.

Smith reached three figures for the 30th time in the longest format on day two of the third Test against South Africa, making 104 on his home ground before Australia closed on 475-4 with Usman Khawaja unbeaten on 195.

Only Ricky Ponting (41) and Steve Waugh (32) have more Test hundreds for Australia than the 33-year-old Smith, who moved level with Matthew Hayden's haul.

The former captain is not thinking about his future as he enjoys living in the moment.

When asked about his future, he said: "I don't know, we'll see. I'm enjoying it at the moment. I really can't say how long I'll play for, I'm not sure.

"Take it one tour at a time, enjoy it, enjoy training and trying to get better. Whilst I'm doing that I'm happy playing, but don't know how long it will last."

Australia will fancy their chances of securing a 3-0 whitewash of the Proteas in Sydney as they look certain to seal their place in the Test Championship final at The Oval in June.

Smith is relishing the opportunity to pass on his experience to his team-mates as he continues to rack up the runs.

"It's [about] trying to get better, help the team win games of cricket," he added. "I think we've played some really good cricket the last 12 months…we've got two really big hurdles in front of us with India and the Ashes.

"For me, it is trying to get better and trying to help some of the other batters coming through.

"I still try to help Marnus [Labuschagne] as much as possible, [Travis] Head, Cameron Green, Matty Renshaw, Marcus Harris…try to impart as much knowledge of conditions and ways to go about.

"If I can say something and you see that lightbulb go on and someone figures something out I get a big thrill out of that. I'll try and help them as much as I can."

Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith scored centuries as Australia built a massive lead before rain intervened again on the second day of the third Test against South Africa at the SCG on Thursday.

Australia were 475-4 at stumps after play was interrupted by light rain at drinks in the final session with Khawaja unbeaten on 195* alongside Matt Renshaw (5*).

The hosts were utterly dominant, beating the Proteas into submission, with only two wickets falling across 84 overs bowled for the day. However, the issue of time remaining in the Test looms large after more delays on day two, with grim weather forecast for Sydney in the coming days.

Khawaja had resumed alongside Smith with Australia 148-2 after only 47 overs were bowled on day one due to a combination of bad light and rain.

After an early rain delay, the 36-year-old left-handed opening batsman led from the front, bringing up his 13th Test century late in the opening session with two off Kagiso Rabada.

Khawaja celebrated his third straight SCG hundred with an air-punch and a little jig. Smith brought up his half-century shortly after.

South Africa skipper Dean Elgar demonstrably discarded the old ball when the Proteas took the new ball shortly before lunch, but it led to few opportunities for the tourists.

Smith went on to bring up his 30th Test century, surpassing the great Sir Donald Bradman, pulled to the backward square leg boundary from Anrich Nortje to reach triple figures.

But the vice-captain was dismissed caught and behind by Keshav Maharaj for 104 in the next over, ending their 209-run third-wicket stand. That marked the pair's 10th century partnership from 33 innings.

Travis Head kept the game moving with aggressive stroke play, blasting eight fours and one six before being caught by sub fielder Rassie van der Dussen at deep square off the tiring Rabada.

Renshaw, who tested positive to COVID on day one and had to keep his distance from team-mates, batted late in the day before stumps was called.

Patient Khawaja bats through

Khawaja finished the day unbeaten on 195, having faced 368 deliveries with 19 fours and one six, batting through the opening two days, albeit amid numerous delays. The Queenslander's 195* is his highest Test score and he will be chasing a maiden Test double hundred on Friday.

Maharaj breaks duck

Proteas left-arm orthodox spinner Maharaj had endured a lean series prior to claiming Smith's wicket, which was his first in the three Tests. That dismissal ended Maharaj's dire record of 0-247 from 66.5 overs in the series.

Josh Hazlewood is hopeful he can reassert his place in Australia's bowling attack ahead of the third and final Test against South Africa.

With Australia having already wrapped up a series victory following an impressive rout at the MCG, Pat Cummins' side head to Sydney in search of a clean sweep.

Injuries to Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc have seen Ashton Agar and Matt Renshaw handed red-ball recalls for the match, while Scott Boland has impressed through the series, but Hazlewood will hope he can rediscover his form after returning from injury.

Having missed the majority of a home Ashes series just over a year ago, Hazlewood played only two Tests in 2022, though the paceman believes he still has a valuable position in the pecking order.

"I still feel like it's in place," Hazlewood told reporters. "It's always good to have pressure It's great to have options, and it keeps you on your toes.

"[Injuries have been] frustrating, definitely. I don't feel like I've been injured much. It just happens to be at the wrong time of the year.

"The Test matches are so close together now. Apart from that, [for] the rest of the 24 months I've been fit and firing. So it's frustrating when you think about it like that."

Green and Starc's absence will possibly open the door for Hazlewood to feature, though he will face increased competition again when the two return.

But the focus will be on ensuring a whitewash against the Proteas at the SCG, where Australia have lost just one of their last 21 Tests.

Australia have won their last three men’s Tests against South Africa at home, the last and only time they recorded a longer winning run against the Proteas in such fixtures was an eight-match span from February 1911 to December 1952.

South Africa meanwhile risk losing a fifth straight Test, matching the rough run they endured between February and October 2019.

Khawaja heads to happy hunting ground

While his team-mates have been racking up big scores against the Proteas, Usman Khawaja has struggled for form across the series, with a total of 14 runs over three innings.

But he heads to a venue with rich pickings. Just 33 runs away from 4,000 in international red-ball cricket, his Test average at the SCG of 98.3 is the third-best of any player at the stadium, behind Wally Hammond and Sachin Tendulkar.

Nortje out to frustrate foes again

It has been a humbling experience for South Africa with bat and ball, but Anrich Nortje will hope at least to continue being a thorn in the side of opposition orders in 2023.

Batters played and missed at 19 per cent of balls he bowled in Tests in 2022, the highest rate of any player.

Jamaica’s Reggae Girlz have been confirmed as participants in the 2023 FFA Cup of Nations in Australia from February 13-25.

The 44^th ranked Girlz will battle Spain, Czech Republic and the hosts in the four-team tournament.

The teams will play a round-robin tournament where the winner will be determined by who finishes with the most points after their three games.

The event was last held in 2019 with Australia coming out on top ahead of South Korea, New Zealand and Argentina.

David Warner has the "hunger and determination" to deliver for Australia once again, acknowledging he was glad to put his own doubts to rest.

Heading into his 100th red-ball game for his country at the MCG on Monday, the batsman had not scored a half-century in his previous 10 innings in the format.

But a glorious 200 formed the bedrock of a crushing victory over South Africa in Melbourne and reaffirmed Warner's talent as one of the finest openers of his generation.

After a difficult year, the 36-year-old was relieved to remind himself he still had the potential to deliver.

"Was there doubts? Yeah, of course, there were doubts in my mind," he said. "But for me, it was about just going out there and knowing that I've still got that hunger and determination.

"I still know what energy I can bring to the team. I think once I start losing that spark and energy around training, I think that's when I probably know it's time [to quit]."

With a tour of India and an Ashes series against England to come, discussions had been rife before the South Africa series of Warner calling time on his Test career before he was dropped for good.

He is not entertaining any idea of quitting now however, adding: "I'm running faster than a lot of these youngsters in [the dressing room].

"So when they catch up to me then I might think about pulling the pin.

"But I think the extra motivation for me is winning in India and completely winning a series in England. I've been told by the coach and the selectors that they'd like me to be there."

Australia's victory at the MCG wrapped up their first Test series win over South Africa on home soil in 17 years.

The third and final Test takes place in Sydney next week.

Selector Tony Dodemaide says picking Ashton Agar and Matt Renshaw has ensured Australia have been able to "cover all bases" for the final Test against South Africa.

Australia are on the brink of qualifying for the World Test Championship final after securing a first Test series win at home to the Proteas for 17 years.

They took an unassailable 2-0 lead in emphatic fashion at the MCG, hammering the tourists by an innings and 182 runs.

Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc are out of the third Test at the SCG after suffering broken fingers in Melbourne, so the selectors have bolstered the squad by calling up spinner Agar and batter Renshaw.

Agar has not played for his country in the longest format since September 2017, while Renshaw last played a Test against South Africa in March 2018.

Josh Hazlewood returns after recovering from a side strain, while paceman could make his debut in a Test that gets under way next Wednesday.

Dodemaide revealed Australia are keeping their options open and will make a call on the team after looking at the pitch in Sydney.

"It's a blessing to have Josh returning while Lance offers a genuine point of difference with his raw pace and skill," Dodemaide said.

"This squad will cover all bases for when we get to Sydney and assess the conditions closer to the Test match."

He added: "Matthew [Renshaw] is included as a versatile batting option who is in good form, including an unbeaten century in the recent PM's XI tour match against the West Indies

"Ashton offers a second spin option should the Sydney pitch be conducive to turn, as it has done in the past. He also brings a solid batting component."

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (captain), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Nathan Lyon, Matt Renshaw, Steve Smith, David Warner

Australia have called in spinner Ashton Agar and batsman Matthew Renshaw to replace the injured Cameron Green and Mitchell Starc for the third Test against South Africa at the SCG.

Green and Starc both sustained finger injuries in the second Test against the Proteas at the MCG, which concluded on Thursday with victory by an innings and 182 runs, ruling them out of the final game starting on Wednesday.

Josh Hazlewood is available for selection after missing the last three Tests with a side strain, meaning he is likely to come into the side as a direct replacement for Starc.

Agar, who memorably made 98 on his Test debut in the 2013 Ashes, looms as the probable replacement for all-rounder Green, with Australian selectors eager to add a spinning option alongside Nathan Lyon at the SCG.

"Ashton offers a second spin option should the Sydney pitch be conducive to turn, as it has done in the past," selector Tony Dodemaide said. "He also brings a solid batting component.

"Matthew is included as a versatile batting option who is in good form, including an unbeaten century in the recent PM’s XI tour match against the West Indies.

"In terms of fast bowlers, it’s a blessing to have Josh [Hazlewood] returning while Lance [Morris] offers a genuine point of difference with his raw pace and skill.

"This squad will cover all bases for when we get to Sydney and assess the conditions closer to the Test match."

Left-arm orthodox spinner Agar has played four Tests, the last coming in 2017, taking nine wickets and scoring 195 runs.

Renshaw, who last played a Test in 2018, has scored 310 runs in eight innings for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield this season.

Cricket Australia confirmed Starc is unavailable with a small fracture to his left middle finger, while Green is out with a fracture to his right index finger.

Australia have an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-game Test series.

Australia squad : Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, David Warner

Dean Elgar says South Africa are learning in the "most ruthless and brutal way" after Australia consigned them to a crushing Test series defeat.

The Proteas were hammered by an innings and 182 runs on day four of the second Test at the MCG after being bowled out for only 204.

Victory for Australia sealed their first Test series triumph over South Africa on home soil for 17 years, with one match left to play.

Elgar criticised the lack of first-class and Test cricket the Proteas are exposed to and called for that to be changed.

The South Africa captain said: "Hopefully that spiral can come to an end come next season where first-class cricket will be looked after a bit better.

"I know that is in the plans that we do potentially have more first-class cricket back home. But yes, it's a tough one. I've got to bite my tongue."

He added: "We need to be playing more Test cricket and our players need to be exposed to this level. Even though we're taking a hiding like we've had in the first two Tests here and the England series that we had, our players need to be exposed to that.

"Unfortunately we are all learning in the most ruthless and brutal way but I think there are more learnings out of this than going out and playing against a team that's of similar strength and we beat them."

Elgar stressed that it is not all doom and gloom.

"For me, it's about that positive affirmation that you have to give to the greater group," he said.

"I'm not going to go away from that because I still feel the guys that we have here are talented cricketers and hardened first-class cricketers, but they obviously just lack experience at the Test level.

"We've still going to show faith in them. And hopefully that turns things around. There's a saying in cricket – you're only one knock away from being back in form and got to believe that.

"For me, it's not just a cliche. I think there's a lot of merit in it. We have to still keep the encouragement and keep reminding the guys that they're not crap cricketers – let's put it that way and to be blunt."

David Warner will play for Australia for "as long as possible" after starring in his 100th Test to set up a series win over South Africa at the MCG.

Warner had not reached three figures in a Test since January 2020 before making a magnificent 200 in his landmark match in Melbourne.

The 36-year-old's double century laid the platform for a victory that sealed Australia's first Test triumph over South Africa on home soil for 17 years.

Australia's win by an innings and 182 runs moved Pat Cummins' team a step closer to sealing a place in the World Test Championship final next year, and man of the match Warner is hungry for more after silencing his critics.

He said: "It's a phenomenal achievement by the boys. We saw some crazy stuff from [Alex] Carey and [Cameron] Green and that century from Carey.

"I never doubted my abilities. It is all about coming out here, I have trained my backside off in the nets. I just needed to get out there and perform on the big stage.

"I have obviously committed to play the next year's World Cup and I want to carry on for as long as possible."

Nathan Lyon took 3-58 and Scott Boland 2-49 as Australia bowled the Proteas out for only 204 to take an unassailable lead, while Mitchell Starc claimed 1-62 as he got through 18 overs despite a finger injury that will keep him out of the final Test.

Australia captain Cummins said: "The win is right up there. We have had a number of great contests against South Africa over the years. It's really sweet and something to be proud of.

"The way the two veterans of our side, David Warner and Steve Smith batted in the heat was as gutsy a performance in the heat. And then for Starc to bowl through injury, and Green to bat like that – we are really proud of that effort.

"Warner's energy was great and to do it in his 100th Test was great. Carey is one of our favourites. He has been awesome for us in white-ball cricket."

Australia skittled South Africa within two sessions on day four to clinch the three-game Test series with victory by an innings and 182 runs at the MCG on Thursday.

The Proteas had resumed 15-1 on the fourth day chasing the improbable target of 387 to make the hosts bat again, but were all out for 204 with the tea break delayed with play extended before the 10th wicket fell.

Spinner Nathan Lyon led the way with 3-58 while Mitchell Starc bravely bowled through pain with an injured finger, taking the opening wicket of the fourth day to finish with 1-62.

Temba Bavuma offered the Proteas' toughest resistance with 65 across more than three hours, but had little support, with Kyle Verreynne the next best with 33.

The tourists were not helped by two run outs on the fourth day, but they appeared a side deflated by the task at hand and the gulf in quality.

South Africa had got through to lunch at 120-4 with Bavuma and Verreynne combining for a 63-run stand, but when the latter was trapped LBW by Scott Boland, the side quickly fell apart in the second session.

Lyon trapped Marco Jansen LBW before Keshav Maharaj was run out by Marnus Labuschagne, with Australia's off-spinner dismissing Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada in quick succession shortly after, before Steve Smith bowled the wild-swinging Lungi Ngidi to seal victory.

Warner crowned for double hundred

Opening batsman David Warner was named Player of the Match after his second-day double century, which reinforced his worth in the side, having come into the game under pressure to hold his spot. Warner's century, coming in his 100th Test match, was the 25th of his Test career.

Walked wounded for Aussies

Australia's victory means they have an unassailable lead in the series but they have a list of headaches ahead of the third Test in Sydney next week. Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green both have finger injuries, with both set to miss the game at the SCG, while Lyon required treatment on day four for a shoulder concern. Australia's next Test series after this is in India in February.

Australia have skittled South Africa within two sessions on day four to clinch the three-game Test series with victory by an innings and 182 runs at the MCG on Thursday.

The Proteas had resumed 15-1 on the fourth day chasing the improbable target of 387 to make the hosts bat again, but were all out for 204 with the tea break delayed with play extended before the 10th wicket fell.

Spinner Nathan Lyon led the way with 3-58 while Mitchell Starc bravely bowled through pain with an injured finger, taking the opening wicket of the fourth day to finish with 1-62.

Temba Bavuma offered the Proteas' toughest resistance with 65 across more than three hours, but had little support, with Kyle Verreynne the next best with 33.

The tourists were not helped by two run outs on the fourth day, but they appeared a side deflated by the task at hand and the gulf in quality.

South Africa had got through to lunch at 120-4 with Bavuma and Verreynne combining for a 63-run stand, but when the latter was trapped LBW by Scott Boland, the side quickly fell apart in the second session.

Lyon trapped Marco Jansen LBW before Keshav Maharaj was run out by Marnus Labuschagne, with Australia's off-spinner dismissing Bavuma and Kagiso Rabada in quick succession shortly after, before Steve Smith bowled the wild-swinging Lungi Ngidi to seal victory.

Warner crowned for double hundred

Opening batsman David Warner was named Player of the Match after his second-day double century, which reinforced his worth in the side, having come into the game under pressure to hold his spot. Warner's century, coming in his 100th Test match, was the 25th of his Test career.

Walked wounded for Aussies

Australia's victory means they have an unassailable lead in the series but they have a list of headaches ahead of the third Test in Sydney next week. Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green both have finger injuries, with both set to miss the game at the SCG, while Lyon required treatment on day four for a shoulder concern. Australia's next Test series after this is in India in February.

David Warner can continue in Test cricket for "as long as he wants", believes Australia team-mate Steve Smith after the batsman's double century against South Africa.

Amid speculation over Warner's future in the red-ball team, the New South Wales veteran became the eighth man to cross the 8,000-run boundary for his country in the game's oldest format.

After a slew of lacklustre performances, the 36-year-old's first Test century since facing New Zealand in 2020 reaffirmed his credentials, and Warner was only halted when he was forced to retire on 200 with cramp.

Smith, the seventh man to reach the 8,000-run mark, was full of plaudits for his partner at the crease, after they piled on the runs against the Proteas in Melbourne, and feels he is still in his prime.

"I don't see any reason why he can't continue playing," Smith said. "He saw the ball well today. He can play as long as he wants.

"He played exceptionally well from ball one yesterday. He looks like he has a lot of energy, his feet moved really nicely.

"Today, he just played beautifully. I think the more he started to cramp, the more shots he started playing. Everything came from the middle."

Australia finished day two at the MCG on 386 for three, with Warner and Cameron Green both retiring hurt. Smith was the last batsman dismissed, having shared in a partnership of 239 for the third wicket with Warner, before the retirements made it an unusual end to the day's play.

The batting efforts gave Australia an overnight lead of 197 runs, with Warner chiefly responsible.

"It was a great blow [to lose him] but nice to be on the other side for much of it," Smith said. "He's doing fine, he's fit. It was quite energy consuming.

"Obviously, it was a strange end to the day. It was hard to believe I was the last wicket. It was an interesting finish but a good day."

Australia took full control of their second Test against South Africa on day two, racing away to a commanding lead behind David Warner's double century.

After bowling out the South Africans for 189 on Boxing Day, Australia started Tuesday's play at 45-1 and piled on another 341 runs.

They were led by Warner in his 100th Test, as he survived some adversity and went on to post 200 before retiring hurt as his persistent cramps worsened in the blisteringly hot MCG conditions.

He reached his 200 in 254 deliveries, joining Joe Root as the only other player to score a double ton in their 100th Test.

Marnus Labuschagne was run-out for 14 following a mix-up during an overthrow, bringing Steve Smith to the middle, and he made his way to 85 off 161 deliveries before edging to the slips as Australia looked to up the run-rate.

Travis Head continued the high-action style with 48 not out from 48 deliveries, capping a 155-run third session to reach stumps at 386-3, leading by 197 runs.

Anrich Nortje was the visitors' most efficient bowler, with the right-arm quick in taking 1-50 from his 16 overs.

Australia could face some headaches with their bowling stocks in the second innings, with Cameron Green being forced to retire hurt after copping a bouncer on the finger, which immediately swelled up and ended his day on six runs.

Green's status for the second inning is in doubt, while Mitchell Starc's finger injury has already ruled him out of the third Test, implying he will not be able to continue bowling.

Labuschagne gives Warner a lifeline in milestone Test

Warner's day could have looked very different had Labuschagne not opted to fall on his sword.

With Warner on 47, he took an easy single, before calling for a risky second on an overthrow. Labuschagne had run through the crease on the first run, and by taking off for a second, it meant whoever was heading to the bowler's end had no hope.

Luckily for Warner, it was Labuschagne who made the turn and charged back unsuccessfully, departing after only 14 runs.

It was Labuschagne's fifth Test run-out, and since his debut no player has more in the format. Root, Babar Azam and Tim Southee all have four.

Aussies handle the heat

With temperatures in Melbourne hovering around 37 degrees Celsius, it was the Australians who handled the conditions in the draining second session.

In a completely one-sided period of play, the duo of Warner and Smith piled on 97 runs without a wicket from the 27-over session, racing to the lead and building a winning platform.