Cricket: Anxious wait in the 90s for Hodge

PERTH - Brad Hodge was last night expecting an anxious night's sleep after finishing the third day of the opening test against South Africa stranded on 91.

The Victorian middle-order batsman shared an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 126 with Mike Hussey (54 not out) to put Australia in control of the match but said he was nervous about the prospect of a maiden test century.

"Being in the 90s for the first time in test cricket is always an anxious time for a batsman," he told a news conference.

Australia ended the third day at the WACA on 310 for four in their second innings, 272 runs in front, and with momentum back on their side after poor fielding and bad luck conspired against the tourists.

Hodge and Hussey both survived dropped catches while Ricky Ponting got the benefit of two dubious umpiring decisions in his 53. The South Africans were left to rue their misfortune but coach Mickey Arthur said all was not lost yet.

"Obviously we're a little disappointed that a couple of chances went down but I'm very proud of the lads, I thought we fought very well," he said.

"We can still do it, the wicket's still very good and I'm positive."

Jacques Rudolph did hold a leaping one-handed catch off Ponting when the Australian captain was on four but his joy was short-lived when West Indian umpire Billy Doctrove called Charl Langeveldt for a no ball when television replays suggested the delivery was legitimate.

"Obviously the guys were a little bit annoyed but I was very proud of their reaction," Arthur said.

"Apparently the umpires apologised to (South Africa captain) Graeme (Smith) out in the middle once they had seen it on the screen and we accepted it.

"It's part and parcel of the game. You can't harp on about these things."

The Australians struggled to score freely for most of a scorching hot day but finally got on top of the visitors in the extended last session and Hodge said they were now in a strong position to win.

"It was really hard but that's what test cricket is about - two sides fighting it out," he said.

"It was just a matter of time and being patient and working hard and grinding the bowlers down.

"It was obviously a warm day so the longer it went on the easier it was going to be for batting.

"I've helped my side get into a good position and hopefully we can continue tomorrow."

- REUTERS