Australia assume control

The Australian openers took the attack to their hosts from the start putting on 184 for the first wicket to lay a firm foundation for the tourists as the home side struggled with their line and length through the opening two sessions.

But Dale Steyn and Paul Harris snuffed out two wickets after tea to give the Proteas renewed hope with Michael Hussey (37 not out) and Marcus North (17 not out) forced to consolidate the closing overs.

It proved a good ending for Graeme Smith's team, who will now sleep much better with renewed optimism of staying alive in the series and overtaking their opponents at the top of the world rankings.

Resuming after tea with the score at 218 for two, the Proteas captain and his players looked to have dismissed Hussey in the third over when he was trapped in front by Morne Morkel and given out by umpire Asad Rauf.

But after eventually deciding to refer the call, he was deemed not out by Steve Bucknor after the ball pitched narrowly outside the line of leg stump forcing the initial call to be reversed.

At the other end, Katich brought up his patient century from 177 balls when he carved a wide ball from Morkel through the off side for four as Australia moved to 250 for two.

But the opener added just eight more runs to his total before Steyn tempted him into a false stroke off a good length that he nicked to Smith at first slip for 108.

Three over later, Michael Clarke was cleaned up by an excellent delivery from Harris, who watched as the ball was pitched on middle stump and straightened its way past the uncertain batsman for three.

But Hussey was joined by North and the pair consolidated with an unbroken 37-run stand as Australia ended the day well placed at Kingsmead.