SA lose three before tea

CAPE TOWN, Mar 4 (AFP): Graeme Smith was out for three in his last Test innings as South Africa crashed to 15 for three chasing 511 to win on the fourth day of the third and final Test at Newlands Tuesday.

David Warner hit a dashing 145, his second century of the match, before Australian captain Michael Clarke declared at 303 for five to set the hosts the huge target.

There were a potential 144 overs remaining in the match, leaving South Africa needing to fight an extended rearguard action in order to avoid defeat in South African captain Smith's last Test.

Smith was given a guard of honour by the Australian players but soon lost Alviro Petersen, his opening partner, who was leg before wicket to Ryan Harris - the 100th Test wicket for the fast bowler.

Tea South Africa 287 and 15 for 3 (Amla 3*, Johnson 2-8) need another 496 runs to beat Australia 494