Retiring South Africa captain Graeme Smith has thanked the fans for giving him a "perfect" send-off at Newlands on Wednesday.

The 33-year-old played his last international match for the Proteas during their 245-run defeat to Australia in the third Test match in Cape Town.

"It was pretty much on my mind at the start of the series, but for some reason kept putting it off, with my daughter in and out of the hospital (Cadence had surgery on burns on Tuesday)," Sky Sports News quotes him as saying when asked about his decision to retire.

"Ever since I moved here as an 18-year-old, Newlands has been my home so this was the perfect place to [retire[. Since the time I started, everybody commented on my style of batting, saying I won't make it, so to end with these runs is a proud achievement.

"From a leadership perspective, having been part of so many wonderful results is amazing. When you get the job at 22, a lot of growth needs to happen. It took me a few years to figure out what was needed. This is the first series we have lost in almost eight (six, since 2009) years. We can be hugely proud of it. We have found ways to win.

"Lastly I want to thank the fans. To all the people who have approached me on the streets, to all that have bought tickets, to all that have stayed up late to support us, I am really thankful."

Australia's victory in the final Test saw them win the three-match series 2-1.