Graeme Smith's international cricket career came to an abrupt end on Tuesday when South Africa's captain was dismissed for 3 as Australia moved to within six wickets of victory on day four of the third and decisive test.
South Africa, set 511 to win, was 71-4 at stumps after Mitchell Johnson dismissed Smith to bring the 33-year-old's involvement in the match at Newlands to a close shortly before tea. Smith’s stay at the crease was shortlived as Johnson had him caught by short leg in the fourth over of the innings. Only a small crowd turned out to witness the final day of Smith's 12-year career, but they gave him a standing ovation as he left his home ground.
South Africa found itself in major trouble soon after when Dean Elgar was bowled by Johnson to leave it on 15-3 at tea, but Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers batted for more than 30 overs to ensure the game went into a fifth day. Amla was bowled by James Pattinson for 41 with 30 minutes remaining, but De Villiers went to stumps after facing 100 deliveries for just 16. Earlier, David Warner recorded back-to-back centuries in the same match to set up Australia's declaration on 303-5.
Having already scored a quick 135 in the first innings, Warner smashed 145 at almost a run a ball as Australia scored at more than five runs per over in its second innings, allowing captain Michael Clarke to declare with a day and a half remaining in the game. Kyle Abbott was the only South African to enjoy any real success as he dismissed Warner on the way to figures of 3-61. Although Dale Steyn returned to the South Africa attack for the first time since incurring a hamstring strain on day one, he bowled just three overs that were hit for 24 runs.
Australia resumed on their overnight total of 27 without loss, and its attacking intent was clear as openers Warner and Chris Rogers added 93 at better than a run a ball until Rogers was run out for 39 by Steyn's direct hit.
Brief Scores
Australia: 494-7 dec and 303-5 dec (David Warner 145, Chris Rogers 39; Kyle Abbott 3-61) lead South Africa: 287 and 71-4 (Hashim Amla 41; Mitchell Johnson 2-31, James Pattinson 1-13) by 439 runs.