The Victorian speedster picked up the man-of-the-match award for his game figures of 8-113 in Australia's 103-run win against South Africa in the third Test at the SCG yesterday.

And as impressive as his figures were, his work rate and timing was something else.

With Australia struggling to find a way through the three-hour-long partnership of Mark Boucher and Morne Morkel on Monday he stepped in.

He not only removed Morkel but reinvigorated his side's chances of a consolation victory by then destroying the South African tail.

The final day was the same, with spearhead Mitchell Johnson starting to feel the effects of his huge workload this summer, he again came to the fore.

This time he did it by charging in and gutting the Proteas' middle order by dismissing Mark Boucher, AB de Villiers and Paul Harris.

By the end of his 27th over in the second innings, he was utterly spent and had his hands on his knees sucking in air. But with Johnson coming to the rescue with the final wicket of Graeme Smith at the death, Siddle felt a new sensation.

''I've starting to feel comfortable out there,'' he said.

Not that he was expecting an automatic call-up for the return Test series against South Africa starting in Johannesburg on February26.

''It's a long time until then,'' he said. ''Hopefully if I can stay fit and keep bowling well, there's an opportunity there and I'll be there for the first Test.''

The fact is he should feel very comfortable in the Australian set-up.

After a poor outing in Perth, his performances were possibly the most encouraging sign for the Australian team and he finished up with 13 wickets at 27.38 for the series. AAP