28 Dec 2008

South Africa fight back on third day at MCG

6:07 pm on 28 December 2008

The South African cricketers staged a remarkable comeback to grab a first-innings lead over Australia in the second Test following a record ninth-wicket partnership between JP Duminy and Dale Steyn.

Resuming at198-7 on day three at the MCG in reply to Australia's 394, the Proteas reached 8-399 at tea, an overall lead of five runs.

Duminy was 120 not out, his maiden century in only his second Test, while Steyn scored 70.

The ninth-wicket partnership of 148 in 189 minutes bettered the 85 by brothers Peter and Graeme Pollock for South Africa against Australia at Cape Town in 1966-67.

Australia's initial breakthrough on Sunday came from the unlikely source of part-timer Hussey, who took his first wicket in his 33rd Test.

Spinner Paul Harris made 39, caught at long-on after adding 67 for the eighth wicket with Duminy.