Australian cricket may have seen the last of Matthew Hayden after the veteran opener was bowled for 39 but the home side were in firm control of the third Test against South Africa at the SCG after building a solid 237-run lead at lunch on day four.

Ricky Ponting was unbeaten on 45 and Simon Katich was 29 not out as Australia reached 119 for one in their second innings after beginning the day on 33 without loss.

Hayden, who was fortunate to survive a strong lbw appeal late on day three, dragged Morne Morkel onto his stumps after working hard in an attempt to build his first substantial score of the summer.

He belted seven fours in a 63-ball stay that produced just as much sweat as substance.

The 37-year-old was given a rousing send-off by the SCG crowd, mindful it may have been Hayden's last appearance at this level.

The Queenslander has indicated he wants to bat on and tour South Africa and England, but the national selectors will have the final say.

Ponting 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.

However, the Australian skipper's innings was faultless from that point on with nine fours flowing from his bat as he made batting on a difficult pitch look easy.

Katich was happy to play second fiddle, spending almost 149 minutes at the crease in accumulating his 29 runs.