Michael Clarke declared before the start of play on day three of the Test series decider against South Africa, ending his side’s first innings at 7-494.

Heavy rain halted Australia’s momentum on Sunday, ruining the second half of day two in Cape Town.

But the showers cleared on Monday and Clarke opted against wasting any time, seeking to pilot Australia to their first Test series win on foreign soil since April, 2012.

“The advantage now is we start at 10am every day, so we’ll still get some overs back,” Clarke, speaking after finishing 161 not out on day two, said of whether the weather could impact his side’s hopes of victory.

“The forecast is pretty good for the next three days.

“If we think declaring overnight is the best way (to win), then it doesn’t bother me.”

Clarke has had Test innings of more runs, but arguably none of greater importance and never under greater duress.

The stoic skipper donned a bandaged arm and borrowed arm guard when he resumed on 92, still in pain from a series of blows that Morne Morkel struck in a brutal short-pitched assault on day one.

“Plenty of treatment, plenty of ice,” Clarke said of how physio Alex Kountouris and doctor Peter Brukner helped him recover.

“It was a long night, a longer morning, to be honest.

“Without their help, no way would I have got on the park today (Sunday).”

It is near impossible to imagine the Proteas battling back to level footing, especially with Dale Steyn nursing a hamstring strain and in doubt to bowl again in the match.

Alviro Petersen, who missed his side’s win in the second Test due to gastro, will open the batting alongside Graeme Smith.

Smith is averaging 9.25 in the series and will be desperate for a big score, especially after dropping Clarke on 26 on Saturday.

South African paceman Kyle Abbott, who bowled 28 fruitless overs, dismissed suggestions victory was impossible.

“There’s a series up for grabs and I still think there’s plenty of time left in the game to get a result,” he said.

“We have to bat as well as they have.

“We need to push the game forward, keep positive. As soon as we start thinking of a draw or any negative thoughts like that come in, that’s when you come unstuck.”