SPORTS DIGEST: The future of Liscalgot, the mare that has been the backbone of Ireland's show jumping team for the past two seasons, including the clinching of team gold at last summer's European championships, has been put on a firmer footing, writes Grania Willis.

Owners Terence and Mary Harvey have been in negotiations with individuals and with the Irish Horse Board and the Equestrian Federation of Ireland (EFI) to put together a leasing package so the mare can be kept for the Irish team with rider Dermott Lennon.

After a meeting yesterday, the federation issued a brief statement, describing Liscalgot as an "excellent" medal prospect for the 2004 Athens Olympics and expressing the EFI's and the horse board's interest in ensuring the mare remains available to the Irish team.

The statement said preliminary discussions had already taken place but that, due to overseas interest in the mare, a new "sense of urgency" had been injected into the situation and negotiations would be continuing.

CRICKET: South Africa were facing the humiliating prospect of their worst series defeat in over 70 years yesterday as Australia marched towards another massive victory on the second day of the third and final Test.

Damien Martyn helped himself to his second century of the series as Australia's lower order batsmen joined in the run feast, adding 246 runs to their overnight score of 308 for five to compile a record first-innings total of 554.

Fast-bowler Glenn McGrath and leg-spinner Stuart MacGill then combined with the ball to reduce the South Africans to 93 for four in reply, still 262 from avoiding the follow-on.

McGrath struck twice in 14 balls, dismissing opener Gary Kirsten for 14 then Boeta Dippenaar for three. Ponting held a catch to remove Kirsten while McGrath sent Dippenaar on his way. MacGill then captured the vital wicket of Jacques Kallis for four before Herschelle Gibbs edged a catch to Mark Waugh. Neil McKenzie reached the close unbeaten on 20 while Test debutant Justin Ontong finished eight not out.