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South Africa coach Mickey Arthur has expressed surprise that Australia captain Ricky Ponting set the tourists 376 runs to win the third Test, rather than a target of 400.
South Africa reached 1-62 in 26 overs before stumps on day four with Hashim Amla 30 not out and acting captain Neil McKenzie on 25.
Ponting had declared 50 minutes after tea on Tuesday at 4-257.
“I was (surprised),” Arthur said.
“I thought they would go a little bit longer to be honest. I thought based on what has happened through the series they would look at 400.
“I also thought they would probably give themselves 16 overs (to the close of play.) That was what we thought and I think it is a great decision.
“Ricky has realised the wicket has not deteriorated as much and it probably takes a little bit more time to bowl us out.”
South Africa captain Graeme Smith, who has a fractured hand, is unlikely to bat on day five. Tailender Morne Morkel made a duck as a replacement opener for Smith on Tuesday.
Arthur says the tourists fear Australia’s pacemen Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle on day five but not the up-and-down nature of the pitch.
South Africa have the chance to snatch victory and the top ranking from Ricky Ponting’s side with a 3-0 sweep.
“The groundsman said it will get to a point where it (the cracks in the pitch) won’t go anymore and I think the other key point that we used the light roller yesterday,” Arthur said.
“When the Australians started their innings (they) used the heavy roller and again this morning it just seemed to just tighten the wicket together a bit.
“We thought we would do the same and bar one ball from Andrew McDonald there was nothing that really went up and own and really dramatic. I hope the trend continues tomorrow.
“Johnson and Siddle have really impressed us through this series and those two guys are going to be the key for Australia tomorrow.”
Arthur says after scoring 4-414 to win in Perth and 1-183 for victory in Melbourne, his men will wait until tea to assess their chances on day five with the draw also a possibility.
“If we can get ourselves to tea, hopefully if we are unscathed at tea time … then we will be ready to launch a proper assault,” he said confidently.
“Let me tell you there is a dressing room full of guys there who don’t want to give an inch. They have been absolutely amazing for the last 14 days (of play) and none of us want to end up losing the last Test.
“We went 2-0 up (in England last year) and lost the last Test in a dead rubber and it took the gloss off our Test victory a little bit so we learnt the hard way there.”
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