The Proteas require a further 319 runs to pull off an unlikely victory, but cricket is a funny old game, and Kingsmead has witnessed its fair share of dramatic finishes over the years. While the odds are firmly stacked against the hosts, they will need to show plenty of grit, patience and determination if they are to force a remarkable result.

Australia, however, are firmly in the driving seat and need just six wickets to secure a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series.

Matt Renshaw - Cricinfo

On Monday, the Baggy Greens declared their second innings on 314/6, with Matt Renshaw continuing his outstanding match by scoring 82 to follow up his magnificent 190 in the first innings.

Nic Maddinson provided some late fireworks with a brisk 48 off just 38 deliveries, while Beau Webster remained unbeaten on 39. Captain Pat Cummins also joined the party, smashing an unbeaten 32 off just 12 balls, including four sixes, to put the Australian bowlers firmly on the front foot.

That left South Africa with a daunting target of 421 for victory. However, the Proteas were in serious trouble by stumps on day four, having slumped to 102/4.

David Bedingham, who scored 49 in the first innings, showed some resistance with 46 in the second before being trapped leg before wicket by Josh Hazlewood.

Ryan Rickelton fell for just two runs, while captain Temba Bavuma and Tristan Stubbs could manage only one run apiece, leaving the home side with plenty of work to do on the final morning.

Aiden Markram remained unbeaten on 45 off 115 deliveries, digging in as wickets tumbled around him, while Wiaan Mulder was not out on five after facing 23 balls.

With the Proteas' hopes of saving the Test resting heavily on their batting application, spinner Keshav Maharaj admitted after play that Renshaw had been a thorn in South Africa's side throughout the match.

“He played really well from the first innings to the second. He was very clear in his game plan and never deviated from it. The foundation he set in the first innings, particularly the way he absorbed pressure, allowed him to play with greater freedom in the second.

“He read the conditions really well, and you have to give credit where it's due. Perhaps there are a few tactical things we can look at going into the next game, but overall, credit to him,” Maharaj said.

David Bedingham scored 46 runs in South Africa's second innings - Cricinfo

The experienced left-arm spinner also conceded that South Africa had fallen short with the bat, with a number of soft dismissals leaving them in a difficult position heading into the final day.

“Obviously, there were a couple of soft wickets, if we're being honest. But I think the application Aiden showed from the moment we were sent in to bat is what we're looking for.

“It's about taking each session at a time, or even each ball at a time, and making sure we're sound in our approach. We need to be clear about how we're going to go about our innings and apply ourselves,” he added.

Despite the mountain facing them, Maharaj insisted that the Proteas would not throw in the towel and would fight until the final ball in an effort to salvage a draw, or even keep the slim possibility of victory alive.

“The guys have worked really hard. Transitioning from white-ball cricket is not always easy, but that's no excuse. We're professional enough to bounce back, and we still have an opportunity tomorrow to put our best foot forward and get ourselves into a position where we can draw this Test match.

“I've seen some big scores chased at Kingsmead, as far-fetched as that might sound. The guys are frustrated, and it will hurt a little, but we know we have the ability to bounce back and get ourselves back to where we want to be as a batting unit,” Maharaj said.

Steve Smith scored 27 in Australia's second innings - Cricinfo

South Africa will need Markram to continue his resistance and will hope that Mulder can provide valuable support as they attempt to extend the contest and put Australia under pressure.

The fifth and final day of the first Test between South Africa and Australia gets underway at Kingsmead at 9:30 on Tuesday.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport