New vitality from SA batsmen

Since the end of the first Test, we have constantly heard about the miserable state of South African cricket: the divisions, poor governance, injuries and lack of passion, culminating in Daryl Cullinan's shock withdrawal because the board would not offer him a top-level contract.

On the basis of these Protean woes, victory in the remaining Tests was seen as a formality for the rampant Australians. But despite the injuries and Australia's hitherto vast superiority, South Africa's quality had been somewhat overlooked, albeit justifiably. Sure, they were a demoralised bunch with every reason to be pessimistic given the state the series, but they can still play. This was particularly true of the batsmen, who had been dominated and out of shape, but at least not depleted.

143 runs behind on the first innings after Gilchrist's stunning counter-attack, the Proteas could have folded again. But someone forgot to tell the batsmen they were supposed to be in crisis.

Gary Kirsten, it should be remembered, made 153 only two Tests ago. No matter how uncomfortable he looks, and he has appeared vulnerable square of the wicket, he is an opener capable of batting for the duration, always a valuable quality. Playing straighter than previously, his powers of concentration and accumulation were in evidence on day three as he built an 84-run opening stand with a circumspect Herschelle Gibbs, their second-best partnership against the Aussies.

Australia saw danger in the fact South Africa were fielding three debutants against them and there is definitely substance to the theory that new players, not weighed down by the negative spirit caused by previous poor performances, are capable of performing with greater freedom. It can't be a coincidence that debutant Ashwell Prince was South Africa's best batsman in the first Test, or Andrew Hall was the top scorer in the first innings of the second. They had an unencumbered vitality previously missing from the established specialists.

The same has not quite applied to the bowling, with Pretorius and Hall disappointing, which Australia must be thankful for given that they will be chasing at least a testing target in a match poised for an intriguing fourth innings. But while Paul Adams had already played 34 Tests, he was still a surprise selection and fresh face, who has also made a difference with both bat and ball. Indeed, he will be South Africa's key player in the last innings as they attempt to level the series, having already captured his 100th wicket in the first.

Like Prince, Graham Smith is another left-hander to have impressed at three. Once he got over the initial nerves against Warne he combined well with Kirsten, batting at an even tempo and making the Australian bowlers toil. He appeared unfortunate to be given out for 68, caught behind off a Warne delivery that turned in, clipped the pad, and may or may not have taken an edge. Umpire Bucknor delayed then seemed to guess.

Jacques Kallis had an awful match in Johannesburg, but played with admirable freedom after the fall of Kirsten, which was nicely suited to the state of the game. From the time he got off the mark with an on drive off Mark Waugh, Kallis showed the attacking side to his game, and was well on the way to catching Smith. It took superb bowling from Warne at the end of a marathon day for the leggie to dismiss Kallis and even the balance of the match.

For Australia, this Test had some parallels with the second Test in Calcutta a year ago, when the situation of their opponents were similarly bemoaned after Australia had taken a 1-0 lead. Gilchrist commented on the similarities, but his innings should have ended them. Still, an inspired second innings from the hosts is making the previously unthinkable prospect of a tied series a possibility. Warne must have known he was in for a long day at the bowling crease when Steve Waugh tossed him the ball from the start of a 100-over day. Warne deceived Kirsten early, the opener not reading the ball sliding through outside off and several times playing for non-existent turn. Warne's guile and McGrath's subtle probing, varying his width on the crease, made for an intriguing opening, which the openers won by resisting Warne and seeing off McGrath after an hour.

Warne's sustained accuracy paid off when he eventually dismissed Gibbs in his 13th over, caught at silly point pushing tentatively forward at one well flighted from around the wicket. He would have to work equally hard for all three of his wickets.

Having won the battle of patience to establish a solid base, it became that much easier for the South African batsmen to wear the Australians down and play on their terms. The pitch was turning, with some occasionally biting out of the rough, but not fast enough for Warne to make the ball jump regularly. Drawing level after 50 overs with only one wicket down was a definite victory for South Africa.

If Steve Waugh erred, it was in not giving his brother more overs. With at least one left-hander at the crease throughout the day, Mark Waugh's 5 overs looked quite promising, and he could have been better utilised. With the Australian fielders calling Waugh 'Murali' while he sent down his tweakers, they might have been giving their captain a hint.

Despite South Africa's position at the end of a long day, the Australians showed commendable spirit. Warne, who toiled for virtually the entire day in sending down 42 overs, finished strongly, a tribute to his improved fitness. The quicks had the second new ball for only five overs before Warne returned, bowling masterfully to Kallis and McKenzie. One could sense Kallis ' dismissal before it came as Warne set him up with slight variations, eventually trapped on the front foot by a slider for 73.

Rewarded for their perseverance, the momentum gradually but discernibly shifted back towards Australia late in the day, as the slips returned and the batsmen's assurance lessened. Leading by 164 with six wickets in hand, South Africa can build on their fightback today.

Scorecard: South Africa: 239 l | Australia: 46/0 | South Africa 2nd Innings