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South Africa’s batsmen need just 153 runs to seal victory in the second Test in Melbourne and therefore become the first touring team in 16 years to post a series win in Australia.

One day after surrendering control of the match to the Proteas’ tail, Australia largely failed with the bat at The MCG, with only captain Ricky Ponting and, to a lesser extent, Mitchell Johnson making a valid contribution.

Agonisingly, Ponting fell one run short of reaching a century on day four. Rather more painfully, however, the tactic of all-out attack chosen by his team-mates singularly failed to produce results.

Dale Steyn claimed his second five-wicket haul of the game - and his 150th Test scalp - to go with his invaluable 76 on day three as the home side were dismissed for 247.

Chasing 183 for victory, South Africa were 30-0 at stumps, albeit fortunate not to have lost Neil McKenzie, who was bowled off a no-ball by Brett Lee.

With rain now being Australia’s most likely saviour, they appear set to suffer their first home series loss since the West Indies beat them in 1992-93.

That occasion also marked the last time Australia succumbed to back-to-back Test defeats at home.

The home fans desperately needed something to celebrate but were instead left stunned as Ponting was denied a second century in the game by Graeme Smith.

Having failed to present South Africa with even the hint of a chance during his 257-minute stay at the crease, Ponting appeared keen to reach three figures in style after Morne Morkel sent down a wide ball.

But he succeeded only in slicing a drive to Smith at short cover, thus ending a captain’s innings filled with fluent drives and trademark pulls.

Rash

Ponting’s dismissal was typical of Australia’s tendency towards rash dismissals, with Michael Hussey and Andrew Symonds the only other recognised batsmen having cause to be spared the wrath of coach Tim Nielsen.

Hussey, suffering the first sustained slump in form of his international career, was dismissed by a Morkel bouncer - the ball beating his bat and gloves and hitting his helmet before being caught by Hashim Amla.

Symonds was unable to deal with a full-pitched ball from Steyn, edging into the safe hands of Jacques Kallis at second slip.

All the other frontline batsmen fell after choosing to play overly-aggressive strokes, with Matthew Hayden failing to produce the innings he increasingly needs to save his Test career.

The opener was caught driving for 23 in a dismissal not dissimilar to his first innings departure.

Fellow opener Simon Katich, vice-captain Michael Clarke and in-form wicketkeeper Brad Haddin also lost their wickets driving at wide deliveries.