CRICKET: Hashim Amla scored 196 and AB de Villiers 169 in a batting exhibition that drove South Africa to a commanding lead of 631 runs, before they were dismissed for 569 on the third day of the third Test against hosts Australia on Sunday.

Australia were left needing to better the record for a successful fourth-innings chase by 213 runs to record an improbable win or bat for two more days to force a draw and save the series.

The hosts had eaten into their target to the tune of 40 runs without loss by the close of play with openers David Warner (29) and Ed Cowan (nine) having survived a sometimes nervous last hour.

After the first two Tests in Brisbane and Adelaide ended in draws, South Africa only needed a third in Ricky Ponting’s last Test to ensure they remained the world’s number one side.