Australia must chase a world record 632 if they’re to perform a miracle and send Ricky Ponting out a winner in the third Test in Perth.
South Africa have virtually extinguished Australia’s hopes of stealing their No.1 Test ranking and clinching the series, with Hashim Amla (196 from 221) and AB de Villiers (169 from 184) the key protagonists on a brutal day three for the hosts.
The Proteas were all out for 569 from 112 overs, meaning Australia must face the music from the likes of Dale Steyn in a danger-hour before stumps.
Recalled fast bowlers Mitchell Starc (6-154) and Mitchell Johnson (4-110) were the shining-lights for Australia, but it might just be too little too late.
Starc finished with career best figures, with six second innings wickets, to make it eight for the match, while Johnson claimed the other four (six for the match) on his home deck the WACA.
Johnson has been known for his erratic bowling in the past, but he was by far the most economical for Australia on what was otherwise a dominant performance from the Proteas.
He’s also lost none of his brilliant reflexes and athleticism in the field – executing his second incredible caught-and-bowled dismissal for the match when he hung onto a return fire-ball from Amla.
The sheer dominance of Amla – who stroked 21 boundaries – pushed Australia to the brink.
He was 99 overnight with South Africa 2-230, and brought up his second century of the series in the first over of the day.
It was the 29-year-old run-machine’s 18th Test century, and comfortably his quickest.
Johnson also had Alviro Petersen (23) sensationally caught and bowled in a diving effort on day two.
Dean Elgar was trapped lbw by Johnson four balls after Amla fell, to ensure a demoralising pair on debut.
The left-armer needs just four wickets to crack the exclusive 200-wicket club.
Starc knocked over Graeme Smith (84), Jacques Kallis (37), de Villiers as well as tailenders Robin Petersen and Dale Steyn.
Vernon Philander was not out 14.
South Africa went to tea at 5-467 which put them well on top, before de Villiers threw the willow and helped add 72 in the half hour following the break.
De Villiers eventually lost concentration and was caught behind off Starc, but not before he’d smashed 21 boundaries, including three in a row from reverse sweeps to bring up 100, and three sixes in an emphatic return to form.
Johnson and Starc received little help from their fellow bowlers – with John Hastings (0-102), Shane Watson (0-24) and Nathan Lyon (0-128) unable to earn a breakthrough in the second innings.
Retiring great Ricky Ponting must play a marathon role with the bat in the fourth innings if he’s to be any hope of closing the curtains on his 168-Test career with a win.
South Africa scored a WACA record 4-414 in the fourth innings to beat Australia back in 2008 and the world record chase is 418 by West Indies against Australia in 2003.
The highest fourth innings score by any team was 5-654 for a draw by England against South Africa in 1939.
