Cricket: David Leggat - Black Caps will have close eye on South Africa series

South Africa have dominated Australia so far. And they're headed to New Zealand next year. Photo / AP

South Africa's crushing success against Australia has cost at least one high profile job, with chairman of selectors Rod Marsh resigning.

But the performances of the South Africans, who have taken an uncatchable 2-0 lead in the three-game series, shouldn't have escaped the attention of the New Zealand team.

The centrepiece of New Zealand's home international season is the arrival of the South Africans in February for three tests and a stack of limited-overs internationals.

New Zealand have much cricket to play before South Africa arrive, but skipper Kane Williamson admitted he's been highly impressed by the South Africans' performances.

They beat Australia by 177 runs in the first test at Perth and poleaxed the hosts by an innings and 80 runs in Hobart to lead to speculation of wholesale changes by Australia for the pink ball test in Adelaide which rounds off the series.

"South Africa are performing extremely well," Williamson said.

"You look how disciplined they were and as batsmen they applied themselves on a tough surface."

Williamson, who called South Africa "a world class side" saw similarities between New Zealand and Australia's batting philosophies.

"Australia are a very good side and they are wanting to continue to play positively to put pressure on the opposition, as opposed to hoping for that result around the corner. But they do need to apply themselves to make that happen."

South Africa have now won their last three away series in Australia. New Zealand's last win over the South Africans was at Eden Park 12 years ago.

Since then, they have won nine and drawn four tests against New Zealand, and their current form suggests they are going to be a serious threat to New Zealand in February.

Marsh, a celebrated figure in Australian cricket for his contribution to their formidable test side in the 1970s and early 1980s, fell on his sword, insisting no one within Cricket Australia had pressured him to stand down.

Something had to give as Australian cricket lies beaten and bloodied at the start of their home season, having lost their last 10 matches - three tests in Sri Lanka, two against South Africa and five ODIs in South Africa sandwiched in between.

"Clearly, though, it is time for some fresh thinking, just as it is for our test team to welcome some new faces as we build for the future," Marsh said.

"I have always had the best interests of Australian cricket foremost in my heart, and that's why I have made this decision."

Wicketkeeper Marsh played for Australia for 14 years from 1970, taking a-then world record 355 dismissals.