Australia vs South Africa, First two and half days of thrid and final test

Well here we are again in this familiar position! 

Two and half days into the Test Match and South Africa seemingly in a hopeless position. 

Ricky Ponting must be fretting. This is such familiar territory and on both previous occassion, South Africa have cruised home. 

Once again South Africa are on the ropes, about 200 behind, not many wickets in hand. They're on the ropes indeed, but worringly (for Australia) they are absorbing the blows. 

Can Australia somehow find that knock out punch that has eluded them all summer? 

South Africa are showing all the traits of a number one side they will soon be (formerly), in that they are setting small goals, achieving them, and squirming their way out of these hopeless situations. 

They start by slowing things up - deadening the attack, then ever so gradually, gaining some momentum of their own.  

Here we are again, holding whatever ground they can, wearing Australia down, setting themselves, ready to strike when the Australia beast is spent, frustrated and broken.