Graeme Smith failed to end his international career with a bang yesterday as he was dismissed for just three runs in his final Test innings in South Africa's decisive third Test against Australia in Cape Town.

Smith announced his retirement from international cricket at the start of the day's play, which ended with Australia closing in on victory.

South Africa were reduced to 71-4 chasing a target of 511 at the close on day four.

Australia opener David Warner did most of the damage for the Aussies, making 145, to go with his 135 in the first innings, to set up a declaration from the tourists at 303-5 - a lead of 510.

Smith attempted to clip a short-pitched delivery from paceman Mitchell Johnson to fine leg, but he edged the ball onto his thigh-pad and Alex Doolan at short-leg took the chance.

The 33-year-old, who faced only three balls, was given a standing ovation as he made his way back to the pavilion for the final time in his 347th appearance for his country.

"This has been the most difficult decision I have ever had to make in my life," he said.

"It's a decision that I have been considering since my ankle surgery in April last year.

"I have a young family to consider, and I felt that retiring at Newlands would be the best way to end it because I have called this place home since I was 18 years old.

"I'm extremely honoured and proud to have had the privilege to lead so many wonderful players and to have been a part of building the Proteas culture to what it is today. It is a culture that every player can be, and is, immensely proud of."

Smith retires as the most-capped Test captain in history having been handed the role after the 2003 World Cup despite being only 22.

He made 9,265 Test runs, with 27 centuries.