A tremendous century from AB de Villiers and an afternoon bowling onslaught has South Africa tasting victory in Port Elizabeth, but a late fightback on day three has Australia still a chance and leading by 41 runs.
The Aussies closed play at 5-180, with Mitch Marsh unbeaten on 39 and Tim Paine 5*, after Usman Khawaja led the batting response after tea with a fighting 75 — an innings which was ended only seven minutes before the close of play.
Earlier, de Villiers picked up where he left off on day two to complete an entertaining century, finishing on 126* as South Africa built an imposing first-innings lead. Australia's top order was skittled by the South African attack, only for the middle order to offer some late respite.
Australia will now have to hope for the lower order to fire to set South Africa any sort of competitive target, but a day four victory is not out of the question for the dominant Proteas.
