For only the second time in their history, Australia were set in excess of 600 after two consummate big hundreds by Hashim Amla and A. B. de Villiers propelled South Africa to a total of 569 at more than five an over. Left with 632 to win, or 194 overs to survive to save the match and the series, Australia were fortunate that South Africa did not ask for a review when Ed Cowan was given not out after edging Vernon Philander to the wicketkeeper.
Amla, who went past 1,000 Test runs for the calendar year, batted sublimely even by his own lofty standards, finishing with 196 off 221 balls. On Saturday, he and Graeme Smith had added 178 in just 26 overs together, raising