Proteas begin solidly

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South Africa 220 and 57 for 0 (McKenzie 28*, Smith 28*) require another 397 runs to beat Australia 466 and 207 (Hughes 75)

South Africa's openers made a patient yet solid start to a record chase at the Wanderers, building on the spectacular morning their bowlers and fielders had fashioned.

Australia's last-wicket partnership of 33 in 5.2 overs between Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus had frustrated a rampant South Africa, who had taken eight wickets for 75 in the first session, leaving them 454 to win. Their openers remained unbeaten throughout the afternoon and gave Ricky Ponting a few concerns going into the final session.

Australia's last-wicket pair kept Australia on the field for 19 frustrating minutes after the lunch interval, stealing singles, surviving appeals and miscuing lofts just wide of the catchers to take the total to 207. Siddle and Hilfenhaus scurried around, profited from four overthrows, and even hit some confident boundaries to take the lead past 450.

By letting Australia get to 207, about 30 more than Graeme Smith had envisaged, South Africa now face a record fourth-innings chase on a pitch which still has a bit of juice and bounce. With close to six sessions available, time at least, is on their side.