Cummins admits changes may be made after loss to South Africa

Australian captain Pat Cummins admitted that changes were possible after South Africa beat his side by 176 runs on the fifth day of the third Test at Newlands on Saturday.

It was Australia's second successive defeat as South Africa clinched the series 2-1 and went past Australia to the top of the International Cricket Council's Test rankings.

"I still think we're a really good side," Cummins told journalists. "Playing the now number one side in their own country we had our moments in every Test."

But he acknowledged that it was fair to ask whether there was a need for changes as Australia embark on a heavy programme of Test matches over the next year.

"We'll be asking those questions internally as well," he said. "We need to get better if we want to get back to number one. Maybe there will be some changes in style, changes in the personnel."

Cummins said any chance of Australia chasing down a target of 288 were destroyed when Kagiso Rabada took two wickets in the first over and followed up with a third in a devastating opening spell which ripped out Australia's top three batsmen.

They were bowled out for 111, with off-spinner Simon Harmer taking a career-best six for 16 in 21.1 overs.

South African captain Temba Bavuma said the series win was a tribute to the character of his team.