Australia were 141 for one wicket at tea at St George's Park today as Chris Rogers and David Warner gave them a brisk start chasing a target of 448 to win on the fourth day of the second Test against South Africa.
Rogers, who scored only ten runs in his first three innings of the series, made 69 not out, while the more aggressive Warner hit 66 to follow up a century in the first Test and 70 in the first innings of the current match.
Warner was the only batsman to be dismissed, leg before wicket to off-spinner JP Duminy when he went back on his stumps to a ball which skidded through.
Rogers could have been out in the last over before tea. He prodded at a ball from Dale Steyn, who appealed loudly as it went through to wicketkeeper AB de Villiers.
Umpire Kumar Dharmasena gave Rogers not out and the slips cordon led by captain Graeme Smith were uncertain and did not seek a review. Replays showed the ball probably clipped the toe end of the bat.
The opening partnership of 126 was easily the best for the first wicket in the series. The previous best by either side was 20 by South Africa in their second innings in Port Elizabeth.
South Africa were without injured left-arm fast-medium bowler Wayne Parnell and their remaining three pace bowlers were unable to recapture the intensity they showed when Australia were bowled out for 246 in the first innings.
Morne Morkel, who was a constant threat in the first innings was hit for four successive boundaries by Warner soon after lunch, although one was off an edge.
