Middle-order batsman Brad Hodge’s maiden Test century lifted Australia to an overall lead of 363 runs at lunch on the fourth day of the first cricket Test against South Africa on Monday.
Australia is 401 for six with Hodge unbeaten on 139 and Adam Gilchrist on 11 after Mike Hussey (58) and Andrew Symonds (25) were out in the opening session.
The home side resumed on 310 for four and Hussey was out in the second over of the day for 58 after a 132-run stand with Hodge.
Hussey, who was caught behind off the bowling of Shaun Pollock, hit nine fours in 172 minutes in a strong supporting role for Hodge.
Charl Langeveldt (three for 93 from 28 overs) broke the 79-minute stand of 61 runs between Hodge and Symonds.
Hussey (30) has scored 442 runs in four tests at 88,4 with two centuries, while Hodge hit his maiden century in his third match.
Australia scored 258 runs in its first innings while South Africa replied with 296 to hold a 38-run first-innings lead.
Meanwhile, Australian opening batsman Justin Langer has been ruled out of the December 26 Melbourne Test against South Africa because of a hamstring strain.
Australian team physio Errol Alcott said Langer would undergo treatment and was only a ”50-50” chance to play in the third Test starting in Sydney on January 2
New South Wales opener Phil Jaques is in the running to replace Langer, who suffered the injury while making 47 on Sunday in Australia’s second innings. – Sapa-AP