Australia remain in charge

The home side have an overall lead of 337 with Michael Clarke (22 not out) and Michael Hussey (31 not out) at the crease.

With a declaration appearing imminent, the Australian attack is likely to be given a late crack at the Proteas' top order on a pitch playing better than it looks.

Australia resumed at 33 without loss this morning and Matthew Hayden was the only man to lose his wicket in the morning session, going for 39 when he dragged Morne Morkel on to his stumps after working hard in an attempt to build his first substantial score of the summer.

Hayden belted seven fours in a 63-ball stay that produced just as much sweat as substance and the 37-year-old was given a rousing send-off by the SCG crowd, mindful that it may have been his last appearance at this level.

Ricky Ponting (53) almost collected a golden pair after leaving the first ball he faced only for it to catch the inside edge of his bat, narrowly missing the stumps and going down to the boundary for four.

The Australian skipper's innings then flourished as he raced to a half-century at almost a- run-a-ball rate.

It came as a surprise when he played on to Morkel attempting a cut shot.

There was also plenty of surprise when Simon Katich (61) was given out lbw to Dale Steyn with only wicket-keeper Mark Boucher seemingly interested in an appeal.

Clarke and Hussey then combined for a fourth-wicket partnership of 38 that helped place Australia in the box seat to claim their first win of the series.