Sydney, January 6:

South Africa need 314 runs on the final day of the third Test if they are to complete a clean sweep after reaching 62-1 at stumps.

Australia took their overnight 33-0 to 257-4, with Matthew Hayden making 39. Simon Katich scored 61 and skipper Ricky Ponting 53 before the hosts declared.

The visitors, set 376 to win, lost makeshift opener Morne Morkel without scoring but Neil McKenzie and Hashim Amla saw play through to stumps.

South Africa successfully chased down 414 to win the first Test in Perth.

Skipper Graeme Smith is unlikely to bat again after injuring his hand in the first innings of the third Test but could feature at a late stage.

And the pitch at the Sydney Cricket Ground is showing signs of wear, while Australia’s 288-2 against the Proteas in the 2005-06 season is the highest fourth innings total to win a Test at

the ground.