Morne Morkel says only a straitjacket would have stopped him bowling in his final Test for South Africa

Morne Morkel says it would have taken a straitjacket for him not to bowl in the final innings of his South Africa career.

Morkel injured his side in his 13th over in Australia's first innings in the fourth Test but returned to take two wickets in their second as the Proteas won by 492 runs to seal a 3-1 series victory, their first at home against the Baggy Greens since readmission.

The 33-year-old passed 300 Test wickets during the series, becoming just the fifth South African to the milestone, and admits he will miss his international colleagues.

Morkel - who played 86 Tests, 117 ODIs and 44 T20Is for his country - has yet to confirm his future plans but the Telegraph has reported he will join Surrey on a Kolpak deal.

"There was no way I was going to sit in the changing room for two days, it would have taken a straitjacket," he said.

"The mission was to beat the Aussies on home turf and to complete that is a special feeling. I was happy to bowl a few more overs and enjoy the atmosphere one last time.

SA crush Australia at Wanderers

Vernon Philander grabbed six wickets in a devastating spell of bowling as South Africa crushed Australia by a record 492 runs.

"It's tough to put into words - it's very emotional and it's been a great journey. The main thing is to keep on working hard. I am so grateful for all the opportunities I was given and to go out on a high.

"I am saying goodbye to a special bunch of guys, boys, brothers - I can only be the man I am team today playing in a fantastic culture and environment.

"I am going to miss playing in front of a home ground but I am excited for the new guy. He is in for a special time."

Morkel's team-mates also paid glowing tributes to the outgoing seamer…

HASHIM AMLA

"Getting injured and still bowling epitomises what Morne has done for us and what he brings to team and in the changing room. I am going to miss him dearly."

VERNON PHILANDER

"We are going to miss Morne - his jokes in the dressing room, on the field and his leadership off the field. He has been phenomenal for a long period of time. He only deserves the best."

FAF DU PLESSIS

"The tributes are richly deserved. He is one of the nicest guys in cricket and a great servant of the game. When times are tough, he is great to have around. The next guy has big shoes to fill."