Six-packed AB rocks in third Test against SA

Australia ended the third day of the third Test on 102 for two, still trailing South Africa by 340 runs with eight wickets remaining in Cape Town on Saturday.

Australia, who clinched the series after winning the first two Tests, were bowled out for 209 before South Africa made 651, their highest ever score against them. Captain Ricky Ponting’s poor match continued as he followed his first-innings duck with just 12, edging an expansive drive at a delivery outside off stump from Dale Steyn to be caught behind.

Opening batsman Phillip Hughes blazed his way to 32 before a hesitant prod at spinner Paul Harris’s third delivery was edged to skipper Jacques Kallis at slip. Fellow opener Simon Katich and Michael Hussey then survived an anxious last hour with Katich ending on 44 and Hussey on 13.

Earlier, AB de Villiers led South Africa to a commanding 508 for six at lunch before launching an assault on the Aussies. South Africa began the third day on 404 for three in reply to Australia's first innings of 209, after Ashwell Prince scored 150 and Jacques Kallis 102 not out on the second day.

First Published: Mar 22, 2009 00:33 IST