DAY 4: Australia set South Africa world record 421 to win

Australia scythed through South Africa’s top order, reducing the world champions to 102 for four wickets after setting the hosts a world record 421 to win at the close of the fourth day of the first test at a virtually deserted Kingsmead on Monday.

Markram, keeping his usual positive instincts under wraps, survived to the close (the first time play has extended to its scheduled conclusion at 5.30pm) unbeaten on 45 in 115 balls. He was accompanied by Wiaan Mulder on five. Theoretically, South Africa need a further 319 runs for victory with six wickets in hand tomorrow, but realistically their only ambition, slim as it is, will be to achieve a draw on another day when no rain is forecast.

Earlier, Australia had sprinted to 314 for six in their second innings before declaring, giving themselves 41 overs to make inroads before the close.