20 Dec 2008

Australia in strong position at WACA

7:14 am on 20 December 2008

The Australian cricket side is 228 for seven in its second innings heading into the fourth day of the first test against South Africa in Perth.

A fighting knock of 39 not out from wicketkeeper Brad Haddin has put Australia back in control after a see-sawing day three and the hosts have an overall lead of 322 runs.

But 101-Test veteran Matthew Hayden failed for the second time in the match (12 and 4) and Australian coach Tim Nielsen admits the opener is "under the gun".

Spinner Jason Krejza (28 not out), who came to the crease at 162-7, combined with Haddin for a vital 66-run partnership in 63 minutes for the eighth wicket.