Australia beat South Africa by two wickets in the second and final Test to draw the series after a gripping fifth day at the Wanderers on Monday.

- Scorecard: South Africa vs Australia, 2nd Test

Bowlers Mitchell Johnson and 18-year-old debutant Pat Cummins guided their team to a victory target of 310 in fading light after the day's first session was washed out.

Earlier, seamer Vernon Philander struck twice in the afternoon session to put South Africa in sight of their first home series win over Australia since 1970.

Australia were 222 for six at tea and need another 88 runs with 36 overs left in a gripping match that could still go either way.

Rain prevented any play in the morning session and Philander opened the bowling when the action resumed.

The 26-year-old rookie struck in the fourth over when he bowled captain Michael Clarke for two with a fine delivery that nipped back in through the gate.

Morne Morkel then removed Ricky Ponting for 62 when Australia's leading run-scorer tried to cut a short delivery outside off stump and edged it high to Jacques Rudolph at second slip.

Ponting resisted for more than three-and-a-half hours in a defiant innings that could prolong the embattled former skipper's career.

Mike Hussey and Brad Haddin put on 50 for the sixth wicket before Philander struck with the first ball of his second spell, two overs before the tea break.

The left-handed Hussey tried to play across the line of a delivery that straightened into the pads and was given out lbw for 39.

Wicketkeeper Haddin endured a torrid time and was struck on the helmet by fast bowler Dale Steyn but survived through to the break on 24 not out. Mitchell Johnson was also unbeaten on six.

It was a dream debut for Vernon Philander as he got Hussey for 39. Philander was brought back shortly before tea and trapped Hussey leg before wicket for 39 with a ball which swung into the left-hander.

Philander was the best of the South African bowlers with five for 70 in 20 overs.