South Africa batted through the last two sessions to ensure a draw today after Australia skipper Michael Clarke scored an unbeaten 259 and then declared with a 115-run lead as he pushed for a win in the first test.
In reply to South Africa's first inning 450, Australia declared on 565 for five with Clarke ably supported by Ed Cowan and Mike Hussey who also made centuries. Clarke declared an our before lunch on the final day, setting up an intriguing last five hours.
In the end, South Africa finished at 166-5 with AB de Villiers unbeaten on 29. He ushered the Proteas to safety after the departures of Alviro Petersen (5), Graeme Smith (23), Hashim Amla (38), Jacques
Kallis (49) and Jacques Rudolph (11).
The second test in the three-test series is at the Adelaide Oval next week.
