The final frontier has been conquered.

Australia won the third cricket Test in Nagpur by a crushing 342 runs - its largest ever defeat of India - to wrap up its first series win there in 35 years.

The victory reaffirmed Australia's position as the top cricketing nation in the world, completing home and away series wins against every major Test-playing country.

"It's just a magic feeling," said Adam Gilchrist, standing in for injured skipper Ricky Ponting.

"You can't ask for anything more from the boys."

Gilchrist said he was immensely proud of his team, but singled out retired skipper Steve Waugh for special mention.

"You think of Steve Waugh straight away," Gilchrist said.

"Go Tug, we're thinking of you champ."

Waugh, whose dearest wish was to be part of a series victory in India, called this series the final frontier.

He retired from cricket after the Sydney Test against India in January this year, and had to watch Australia's triumph at home on television.

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