The South African cricketers are struggling on 198 for 7 after two days of the second test against Australia in Melbourne.
Up 1-nil in the series, the Proteas failed to respond to Australia's first innings of 394, with paceman Peter Siddle's MCG debut haul of 3 for 24 from 13 overs putting the homeside well and truly on top.
The Proteas trail by 196 runs with JP Duminy 34 not out and spinner Paul Harris on eight.
Earlier in the day Australia resumed on 280 for 6, Michael Clarke advancing from 36 to an unbeaten 88.
