Jacques Kallis hit 101 to help South Africa bat out for a draw on an enthralling final day of the first test in Australia.

The tourists survived a tense last session in Melbourne to finish on 273-7.

South Africa had resumed the day on 79-1, chasing an unlikely victory target of 381.

A run-chase was soon abandoned and survival became the name of the game. They eventually batted out 122 overs in the innings, with three wickets left.

Jacques Kallis survives a bouncer during his century

Kallis, playing in only his seventh test, was at the crease for six hours to frustrate Mark Taylor's side before he eventually was bowled by Paul Reiffel just after tea after celebrating his maiden test century.

His innings, which earned him the man of the match award, lasted 279 balls and included six boundaries.

But just when Australia sniffed victory, all-rounder Shaun Pollock stood firm during the final hour to remain unbeaten on 15.

The tourists briefly held faint hopes of winning when Kallis and captain Hansie Cronje added 123 for the fourth wicket.

But when Cronje hit Steve Waugh to Taylor for 70 a draw was the best South Africa could hope for.

Mark Taylor catches Adam Bacher

Leg-spinner Shane Warne was Australia's main threat on a deteriorating wicket.

He bowled 44 overs in the innings, claiming 3-97. Victim number one was opener Adam Bacher, caught by Taylor for 39 having added just four to his overnight total.

Shane Warne jubilant after bowling Daryll Cunninan

Warne then bamboozled Daryll Cunninan, bowled for a duck playing back. His third scalp was Brian McMillan for 16.

The result was only the third draw between the two sides in 10 tests since South Africa's returned to international cricket after the apartheid era boycott was lifted in 1992.

Australia have won four matches and South Africa three.

The second test of this series is in Sydney on Friday.

Scores: Australia 309 and 257, South Africa 186 and 273-7.

Scorecard:

South Africa second innings:

Extras: (5b, 4lb, 6nb) 15
Total: (122 overs) 273 for seven

Fall of wickets: 1-2, 2-88, 3-88, 4-211, 5-229, 6-241, 7-260

Bowling: G McGrath 28-11-57-1, P Reiffel 18-8-24-2, M Kasprowicz 14-1-45-0, S Warne 44-11-97-3, M Waugh 10-0-25-0, S Waugh 7-2-12-1, G Blewett 1-0-4-0

 

Back to top | BBC News Home | BBC Homepage	©