Graeme Smith hailed his team's historic series triumph over Australia as 'the greatest moment in South African cricket'.
The Proteas capped off a remarkable 2008 by inflicting Australia's first series defeat at home in 16 years with a crushing nine-wicket victory at the MCG, handing them an unassailable 2-0 lead heading into the final Test in Sydney. Should they claim victory there, they will take over Australia's mantle as the number one Test nation in the ICC rankings.
"It's got to be the best," he said. "It's got to be the most incredible season South African cricket has ever had, particularly with the results that we've had. I don't think anyone would argue with that."
He added: "Obviously things have changed a little bit now. It's a real honour for us to sit here knowing we are the first team in 16 years to come and be victorious on these shores.
"The balance of power is evening out in world cricket.
"Credit to Australia, they've dominated world cricket for a decade now and they obviously enjoyed their time. It doesn't mean that they're going to be beaten in future tours or are going to be easy to beat.
"I think the balance is going to be evened out a little bit more now. Maybe other teams are moving into other eras, who knows?"
South Africa have won 11 of 15 Test matches in 2008 - which included a series win in England and a draw in India - and suffered just two losses.
Smith is also the leading run-scorer in Test cricket this year with 1,656 runs - the third highest in a calendar year behind Pakistan's Mohammed Yousuf and West Indies great Viv Richards.
