Source: BBC News

The home side hung on to be 2-244 at stumps, 302 runs shy of the total set by Australia. Jacques Kallis (84no) and AB De Villiers (68no) had put on 166 for the third wicket _ the first 100 run partnership for the home side in the series.

The side is effectively three down with Graeme Smith unable to bat because of a broken hand, although nobody should rule out last minute Sydney like heroics from the captain.

SCOREBOARD

Australia lead the three Test series 1-0 and seemed to be in an impregnable position, but this South African side made 414 in Perth to win in the summer.

Peter Siddle made the first real breakthrough, having opener Neil McKenzie (31) caught behind after the lunch break with the score 63.

Siddle should have had Jacques Kallis next ball but Marcus North failed to hold onto a hot chance at first slip.

The fumble has proved costly.

The Victorian had Hashim Amla (43) caught at slip to have the locals 2-86 in the 29th over.

The second new ball is due when play resumes tonight (AEDT) and Siddle admits  "it's going to be important''.

“It has played a big part in the whole match so far, the new bal,'' he said.

“We'll see how we go tomorrow morning if we take it straight away. I'd be thinking personally that we'd probably take it and hopefully get a break through.''

Earlier Phillip Hughes scored 160 and Australia has set South Africa 546 to win and keep the series alive.

Ricky Ponting called him men in 37 minutes into the fourth morning with the score on 5-331. 

Hughes had announced his intentions to go for runs, moving from 136no to 160 with a series of audacious shots.

He smashed Dale Steyn back over his head and into the stands to bring up his 150 with a brutal six.

The bowler showed his frustration by throwing the ball into the ground at the end of the over.

Hughes missed out by six runs on taking the 106 year old Test record for the most runs scored in the first two games by a batsman, but will probably be content with the knowledge that he is now the youngest player ever to score two centuries in a Test.

The record was previously held by George Headley, the man they called the “black Bradman”.

"It was one (record) I didn't know about, to be honest,” Hughes said last night.

"When the guys said it was a record, it was definitely exciting.¶

"I'm not one to go home and go through the stats.¶

"I had (heard of George Headley), but it was a long time ago now.”

South Africa did bat for two days here nine years ago to save a Test, but start with a decided advantage as Graeme Smith is almost certain not to bat because of his broken hand.

Australia  is seeking to take an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the series and have at least 170 overs to do so.

Michael Clarke finished the innings on 23no but Ponting declared when North was removed for a duck.