South Africa fought back during the final session of day three of the second Test match at Adelaide to reduce Australia to 111-5 in their second innings.
The hosts had begun the final session with a commanding advantage, but three wickets from South African bowler Rory Kleinveldt helped keep his side in contention and restrict the deficit to 273 runs.
Australia had dismissed South Africa for 388 earlier in the day with half centuries from Faf Du Plessis and Jacques Kallis rescuing their side from 250-7.
Australia began their second innings on a positive note with a lively 77-run opening stand between Ed Cowan and David Warner.
However, after Warner was bowled by Kleinveldt, Australia collapsed to 98-4 with Cowan, Rob Quiney and Ricky Ponting all falling in the space of 21 runs.
Australia had hoped that night-watchman Peter Siddle could see his side through to the close of play, but he fell to the bowling of Morne Morkel.
Mike Hussey joined Michael Clarke at the crease and the duo batted safely to take Australia to 111-5 at the close of play.
