Cricket: Warne puts heat on South Africa

PERTH - Shane Warne's shadow again looms large over South Africa in their pursuit of a world record 491 to beat Australia in the first cricket test at the WACA.

After a masterful 203 not out from Australia's Brad Hodge, the Proteas reached 85 for two at stumps on the fourth day's play, with Herschelle Gibbs on 17 and Jacques Rudolph on 18.

Legspinner Warne struck in his third over with the total on 35 when he had first innings topscorer A. B. De Villiers caught at short leg for 12.

Warne, whose 88 wickets this calendar year is a world record, troubled right-hander Gibbs with his prodigious spin from the rough outside leg-stump.

Left-armer Nathan Bracken took the prize wicket of South African captain Graeme Smith leg before wicket for 30, with the total at 55.

Bad light ended play 17 minutes early, much to the disappointment of Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who complained to both umpires on the field before reluctantly departing.

Scoring his maiden test century in his third match, Hodge batted for 11 minutes shy of eight hours and hit 22 fours.

The 30-year-old Victorian knew he had to score quickly before the declaration and scrambled 77 runs with tailender Nathan Bracken in 46 minutes.

Hodge ran 20m towards the dressing room after his back-cut for four to reach 203, holding both arms aloft.

Ponting immediately declared at 528 for eight for an early tea.

Australia resumed on 310 for four and Mike Hussey was out in the second over of the day for 58 after a 132-run stand with Hodge.

The hard-working Charl Langeveldt broke the 61-run partnership between Hodge and Andrew Symonds.

- AAP