The tourists only managed one wicket on Monday, with opener Ed Cowan run out for 136, while partnerships of 259 between Cowan and captain Michael Clarke and an unbroken 188 from Clarke and the left-handed Michael Hussey hurt the opposition's much-vaunted attack.

"It was a very hard day for us but congratulations to Michael and Ed for a couple of superb innings. We stuck to our task and never gave up. We bowled well in patches and created a couple of early chances. One could play another three days on this pitch without any difficulty for the batsmen," said Donald.

Clarke, who was unbeaten on an outstanding 218 at the close of play, was afforded a lifeline on 126 after a South African review for a catch by wicketkeeper AB de Villiers was turned down despite evidence to the contrary.

Nine runs later, the Australian skipper cherished another piece of fortune, with fast bowler Morne Morkel snaring the right-hander caught behind, only for umpire Asad Rauf to call a no-ball - the lanky seamer's second detrimental foot fault of the match. Fellow seamers Rory Kleinveldt, Vernon Philander and Dale Steyn, coughed up 11, eight and one no-ball each respectively.

"Michael hit a couple in the air which landed in gaps. But there are no excuses for bowling 22 no-balls and that's an issue that we will have to address. At the end of the day it took its toll a little bit. Everyone is feeling a bit tired right now," concluded Donald.