The Proteas will force Australia to chase a record total as they look to press home the advantage in the morning session on day four.
The tourists are extremely well-placed for victory at the Waca. They’ll go into day four in Perth on 390-6, just 29 runs behind what would be a record Test chase.
West Indies’ 418-7 against Australia back in 2003 remains the record, and the Proteas’ 414-4 back in 2008, again against Australia, is the second-highest. The fact that it was at this very ground in Perth might provide inspiration for the hosts, but they still need four more wickets before they even start thinking about tracking down what is already a daunting target.
It was breathtaking centuries from Dean Elgar (127) and JP Duminy (141) that allowed the Proteas to completely turn things around, after Australia appeared to be running away with it just one day into the match.
Quinton de Kock (16) and Vernon Philander (23) are already on a 38-run partnership, and they will look to take matters completely out of their opponents’ grasp before the tail is exposed.
The absence of Dale Steyn will be in the back of the Proteas’ minds, but with a 388-run lead already in the bag, it will take a special effort from the hosts today to stand even the slightest of chances.
Photo: Paul Kane/Gallo Images
