Australia have rallied with the ball but South Africa have kept piling on the runs to be 7-434 at tea on day three of the first Test at the Gabba on Sunday.
After enduring 54 luckless overs trying to break a 165-run third wicket stand between Hashim Amla (104) and champion allrounder Jacques Kallis (147), Australia’s attack finally had something to smile about as the Proteas looked for quick runs, eyeing a declaration.
Resuming after lunch on 3-357 with Kallis looking set for a huge score on 137 not out, the Proteas at one stage lost 2-3 as they looked to put the foot down to make up for lost time following Saturday’s washout.
Kallis didn’t last too much longer, caught spectacularly by Test debutant Rob Quiney in the gully off James Pattinson (3-93) to make it 4-374.
The champion allrounder’s 44th Test ton – the second highest tally behind only Sachin Tendulkar (51) – also marked the highest score by a South African at the Gabba, surpassing Eddie Barlow’s 114.
The barrel-chested 37-year-old stroked 14 fours and a six before Quiney’s diving effort ended the six hour knock, and a 90-run fourth wicket stand with AB de Villiers.
Suddenly it was 5-377 when de Villiers was caught for 40 off Pattinson – but only after umpires asked for replays to check Pattinson had not overstepped at the bowler’s end.
Paceman Peter Siddle had rued his luck at the Test after dropping a caught and bowled chance off Amla on 74 and having Kallis caught at 43, only for replays to reveal he had bowled a no-ball.
But his fortunes finally turned around when he had Vernon Philander (11) caught behind to reduce South Africa to 6-403.
Normal service resumed for the luckless Siddle (2-111) when wicketkeeper Matt Wade dropped a tough overhead chance offered by Dale Steyn on one.
Steyn (15 not out) had another life when he was given lbw on nine before ball tracking technology showed Ben Hilfenhaus’ delivery was bouncing well over the stumps on review.
Quiney was in the action again when he caught Jacques Rudolph (31) as the left-hander looked to up the scoring rate off spinner Nathan Lyon (2-121 off 35 overs).
