Sydney, January 4:

Australia gave themselves a good chance of earning a consolation victory in the final Test against South Africa on the back of Michael Clarke’s fine 138 on Sunday.

The Aussie vice-captain, dropped twice on the first day, converted an unbeaten 73 into a century. And with further runs from Mitchell Johnson (64) and Nathan Hauritz (41), the Australians totalled a solid 445. South Africa replied with 125-1, Graeme Smith retiring with a broken hand that will keep him out for six weeks.

The tourists, having won the first two matches to earn their first Test series victory in Australia, started the day in fine shape to force a whitewash. But having bowled well on Saturday to restrict the hosts to 267-6, they were not counting on a 142-run stand between Clarke and Johnson.

That was finally ended after lunch when JP Duminy forced the downfall of Clarke, the right-hander driving a catch back to the bowler off a full toss. Johnson soon followed, edging Dale Steyn (3-95) to slip, but there was a further sting in the tail, with Hauritz and Peter Siddle (23) adding 59 for the ninth wicket.

Paul Harris (3-84) finally removed both men as Australia continued to attack, and South Africa reached 18-0 at tea.

Smith and Neil McKenzie batted for a further eight overs in the final session before a Johnson hit Smith on his left hand with the total on 35.

McKenzie batted on smoothly against a novice Aussie bowling attack before Siddle nipped one back into his pads to remove him leg before wicket for 23. However, Hashim Amla (30) and Jacques Kallis (36) prevented any further damage.

The day had belonged chiefly to Clarke, who blotted out previous failures at his home ground to reach an important landmark. However he was upset with the manner of his dismissal.