Kallis, who was dropped first ball by Marcus North at slip off Peter Siddle, made the most of the chance to share an unbeaten stand of 164 with De Villiers as South Africa chased 546 to win the Test and level the three-match series.

After losing openers Hashim Amla (43) and Neil McKenzie (31) to early strikes by Siddle, South Africa recovered with Kallis and De Villiers looking comfortable and maintaining a run-rate of around three per over. Siddle was the pick of Australia’s bowlers, claiming the wickets of Neil McKenzie (31) and Hashim Amla (43) before tea.

Australia had resumed the day on 292 for three and batted for 35 minutes before declaring their second innings on 331 for five,