BRISBANE, Nov 11:
South Africa were on track to end Australia’s unbeaten 24-year Test run at the Gabba after dominating the third day’s play in the opening Test today.
The world’s number one team amassed a formidable 450 in their first innings and then had Michael Clarke’s Australians under pressure at 111 for three at stumps.
Clarke was at the crease on 34 with opener Ed Cowan not out 49 in an unbroken 71-run stand. The Australians last lost at the Gabba against the West Indies in 1988, but the Proteas’ first innings total was the best by a touring side at the ground since England’s winning 456 in 1986.
Jacques Kallis had a memorable day, making his 44th Test century — he is second on the list of all-time century makers, behind only India’s Sachin Tendulkar — and his fifth against Australia. His 147 was the highest score by a South African in a Brisbane Test since Eddie Barlow’s 114 in 1963.
The star all-rounder also chipped in with two catches at second slip to help put the skids under the Australians.
“I think tomorrow morning’s a key part of the game for us. If we can nip out a couple and put some real pressure on Australia, who knows?” Kallis said.
“I think we’ve just got to give ourselves the opportunity. I think the game’s far from dead. There’s enough in the wicket as well. As long as we keep applying the pressure, that’s all that we can do. If Oz play well, then fair enough.”
The home side’s thoughts turned to saving the match after three wickets tumbled inside the opening 10 overs.
David Warner lasted 15 balls before Dale Steyn slanted a delivery across him. He poked it straight to Kallis at second slip to depart for four. Debutant Rob Quiney fell to a spectacular juggling catch on the fine leg boundary rope by Steyn for nine off Morne Morkel.
Steyn tossed the ball into the air, realising he was going over the rope. He had the presence of mind to step back into the field of play and take the catch. (Agencies)
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