Two days to play, one possible result T3D3

Australia 163 & 0/40 (13 ov) need 592 runs with 10 2nd inns wickets in hand to beat South Africa 225 & 569 (111.5 ov, Amla 196, deVilliers 169, Smith 84, Starc 6/154, Johnson 4/110) T3/3 D3/5 at WACA Ground Perth.

Two top quality innings: Hashim Amla's elegantly aggressive 196/221b (21x4) and AB deVilliers's pugnacious, short form influenced 169/184b (3x6, 21x4), saw South Africa cruise to 569 and set Australia an unlkely impossible 632 to win, albeit on a wicket which is holding up well.

The two Mitchells took all the wickets: Starc 6/154 (including mopping up the tail) and Johnson a more impressive (all recognised batters) 4/110. But for much of the day the Australian bowlers and supporters must have wondered where the next wicket was coming from.

David Warner and Ed Cowan kept the Proreas at bay for 13 overs, but with two hot, with no rain forecast, days and at least 180 overs to survive it doesn't require more than a rudimentary knowledge of cricket to see that Australia has Buckley's chance of winning or holding out for a draw.

Scorecard