Proteas fight back after sensational Hussey ton

Half-centuries to AB De Villiers and Herschelle Gibbs have left South Africa in a strong position at the conclusion of day two of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.

Despite top-notch batting from the South Africans, the day belonged to Australia's new Mr. Fix-it, Mike Hussey as he smashed a whirlwind century to boost the world champions' score to 355 all out.

Hussey's third century of this summer, became remarkable as the West Australian and number 11 Glenn McGrath combined for a determined 107-run partnership which delighted the 40,722-strong crowd who piled into the MCG.

Hussey batted slowly throughout the latter part of yesterday and went to stumps on 27 not out, with Australia placed at 8-239. Despite Stuart MacGill falling early to Makhaya Ntini, Hussey found a partner - albeit a very unlikely one.

Hussey hit 14 smoking boundaries and clubbed four towering sixes including two over mid-off during his splendid innings of 122, whilst his partner in crime, McGrath, was defiant and solid for his 11 runs from 56 deliveries.

Hussey had luck on his side as Jacques Kallis spilled a comfortable chance at second slip when the left-hander had not added to his overnight score.

This dropped chance, coupled with Nel's dropped catch when Ponting was on 17, has cost South Africa 195 runs and in the end, that could be the difference between the two sides.

Hussey was finally out when Ntini rattled his stumps, but after a superb revival, all of a sudden Australia were sitting in the box seat.

The Proteas came out to bat and speedster Brett Lee was expensive early, as Graeme Smith and AB De Villiers combined well early. With the score on 36, Lee trapped Smith in front with an inswinging ball which removed the skipper for 22.

De Villiers was joined at the crease by Gibbs and the two played some beautiful shots and took the visitors past 100. De Villiers was riding his luck as he slashed two short deliveries from Lee just over the outstretched hands of Shane Warne at first slip.

Gibbs, on the other hand, was playing with real intent and played some beautiful cover drives and was comfortable against the spin twins of Warne and MacGill.

McGrath, who bowled tight as always, claimed the scalp of De Villiers (61) when the South African was trying to cut a ball which stayed low.

Gibbs brought up his half-century just before the conclusion of play and with eight wickets still in hand, the game is firmly in the balance.

Play starts at 10:30am (AEDT) tomorrow.

Full scorecard available here.

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