Duminy caps stunning revival with 166

J.P. Duminy’s outstanding maiden century provided more evidence for South African claims they are the best side in the world on a day when Australia flopped, fumbled and allowed a stunning recovery that almost certainly ended their chances of winning the series.

While the hosts were lifeless, the visitors were inspired by Duminy’s fresh 166 in his second Test and Dale Steyn and Paul Harris followed in exceptional and irritating stands that stole the game from Australia.

South Africa started the morning 196 behind with only three wickets - and a wobbly tail - remaining and wanted a miracle to avoid a large deficit in reply to Australia’s 394.

It came through Duminy and his bowlers as they controlled an under-manned attack and posted a magnificent 459. Even a year ago this sort of charity would have been unthinkable, but the Australians had another long day in the field to consider their revised position in the world order.

Most of their pain came from Duminy, but he was joined by the No. 10 Steyn, who gathered an unlikely 76 in a performance that exposed the young attack and rallied South Africa to the point where when they were finally dismissed they owned a 65-run lead. In a courageous partnership of 180, the third-highest ninth-wicket stand in history. Duminy stayed cool and Steyn battled through the pain of a stinging blow on each hand to frustrate the home side and delight their own.

Duminy, 24, continued his amazing start after being a key component in the record-breaking chase in Perth last Sunday. Duminy looked as nerveless as a veteran such as Graeme Smith or Jacques Kallis.

Cricinfo