South Africa v Australia - Fifth Test, Day 4

After all yesterday's controversies, day four thankfully passed with little incident, and the cricket that was played saw Australia place themselves on the verge of a consolation victory in the series' final Test. Pollock (22) and Rhodes (10) both departed early, and when rain forced an early lunch, South Africa led by just 85 on 201-6.

The runs all but dried up in the afternoon as the tourists turned the screw still further, and only John Waite stood between Australia and a paltry fourth innings victory target. South Africa's 'keeper batted pugnaciously for his first fifty of the series, and with the help of Procter (20), Tayfield (16) and Donald (8), Waite oversaw the addition of 136 runs for the last four wickets, with South Africa's eventual total of 294 setting Australia a target of 179 in the best part of four sessions. Waite finished undefeated on 88, adding 51 for the ninth wicket with Donald in less than an hour as he chased his century, and his innings ensured that any win for Australia would be no cakewalk.

Benaud's team chipped 45 runs off their target by the close, but they lost the services of Mark Taylor for 9 as Donald poleaxed his third Australian of the match with another volley of short-pitched bowling. Taylor will probably be able to bat on the final day, but Australia will hope that they will not require his services with just another 134 runs needed for a face saving victory.

Close of Play, Day 4
SAF 1st Inns 193 (Procter 44; Johnston 4-49)
AUS 1st Inns 309 (Healy 79, Border 58, Benaud 46*; Goddard 5-70)
SAF 2nd Inns 294 (Waite 88*, Bland 62, Richards 58)
AUS 2nd Inns 45-0