After Hussey hundred Proteas resist Aussie bowlers

Tuesday, (AFP) South Africa dug in to thwart Australia's bowlers after Mike Hussey had revived the home side's chances with a dynamic rearguard century on the second day of the second cricket Test here Tuesday.

The South Africans lost both openers, skipper Graeme Smith (22) and AB De Villiers (61), after Australia ended their first innings on 355, bolstered by a fighting 122 from number five Hussey in a record last-wicket stand.

Australia were staring at a meagre innings total after going into the second day on 239 for eight, but left-hander Hussey combined in a 107-run 10th wicket partnership with Glenn McGrath to frustrate the Proteas.

Hussey turned things around for Australia with his third century in an impressive debut year in Test cricket. He dominated the partnership with McGrath, who remained 11 not out after two defiant hours at the crease.

Hussey was finally bowled by Makhaya Ntini in the 120th over of the innings, ending his four-hour resistance which featured 14 boundaries and four sixes.

At stumps, South Africa had worked their way to 169 for two with Herschelle Gibbs perserving with an unbeaten 54 and Jacques Kallis on 17, 186 runs in arrears.

It was only the fourth time in Tests that Australia had achieved a century 10th wicket partnership. McGrath featured in the previous one with Jason Gillespie, a 114-run stand against New Zealand in Brisbane last season.

It was a much improved day for the Australians, who clawed their way back into the game after a spectacular 7-85 collapse late on day one.

Hussey, starting the day on 23, proved a major irritant to the Proteas. His innings evoked memories of his unbeaten 133 against the West Indies in the third Adelaide Test last month, when he was on 35 with two wickets left in the Australian first innings.

He seized the momentum from the South Africans, who had finished the opening day on top after batting out the final day to salvage a draw in last week's opening Perth Test.

When Stuart MacGill was out for four in Tuesday's third over, Hussey was only on 27, yet he found a willing partner in McGrath to bring up three figures.

Hussey had the MCG crowd roaring with two successive sixes off Andre Nel over wide long-off and two more off left-arm spinner Nicky Boje.

Once again the South Africans were their own worst enemies, with Jacques Kallis fumbling a high chance at second slip off Shaun Pollock when Hussey was on 27.