Perth: South African captain Graeme Smith led the fight-back with a courageous century on Saturday to keep his team in the hunt for a record chase of 414 on the final day of the first Test against Australia on Sunday.

Australia began with a 322 run lead and their tail extended it towards 413. Haddin played a magnificent innings and, by the time he was done, few gave South Africa a chance.

Those chances reduced further when McKenzie fell cheaply but the innings was repaired by Smith and Amla who shared a partnership of 153 for the second wicket. Australia fought back by dismissing both of them in quick succession but Kallis and de Villiers have reduced the target to below 200.

South Africa will begin the final day needing 187 more to win. Australia need seven wickets. If South Africa pull it off it will be the second highest run-chase in history. Australia will feel if they can get Kallis and de Villiers early, they'll be able to run through an inexperienced lower-order.

South Africa were 227 for three at stumps with Jacques Kallis 33* (48b, 3x4, 1x6) and AB de Villiers 11* at crease after Smith knocked off 108 (147b, 13x4) runs. South Africa need 187 runs on the final day for the second-biggest successful chase in history.

Reports by session
1st Session: Runs 91, Wkt 3, Ovr 22
2ns Session: Runs 64, Wkt 1, Ovr 25
3rd Session: Runs 163, Wkt 2, Ovr 39

Brief Score: South Africa 281 & 3 for 227 (Smith 108, Amla 53) trail Australia 375 & 319 (Haddin 94) by 186 runs.
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