Hayden senses victory for Aussies

Matthew Hayden is confident Australia can win the First Test against South Africa after gaining a double breakthrough in the penultimate day's play.

With Australia captain Steve Waugh declaring on 309 for seven, the tourists needed openers Herschelle Gibbs and Gary Kirsten to see out 12 overs before stumps at the Adelaide Oval.

But Gibbs, scorer of 78 in the first innings, went for nine, caught by Justin Langer at mid-wicket off a Glenn McGrath seamer.

Then Shane Warne dismissed Kirsten with the very last ball of the day, teasing him in to a nervous prod to Ricky Ponting at silly point.

That left South Africa on 17 for two at the end of the fourth day and a long way from their 375 target for victory. "It's going to be a great day for us tomorrow," said Hayden, whose 131 enabled the Australians to make an early declaration.

"Those two wickets were very handy and have put us in a very, very strong position.

"I think most of their order is inclined to batting for long periods of time so for us it's just about creating pressure and seeing whether South Africa is up to the challenge.

"We're in a very strong position and we know that. It's a deteriorating wicket and I think Warney's going to come into his own tomorrow."

Hayden's century took him past West Indian Brian Lara as the world's leading runscorer for 2001 and proved vital for the home side as they lost Langer and Ponting early on today to stand at 66 for two.

Hayden came in and shared a thirdwicket stand of 181 with Mark Waugh before he was bowled by Jacques Kallis. Mark Waugh hit 74 before skying an attempted sweep slog off Claude Henderson to Mark Boucher.

Adam Gilchrist (22), Steve Waugh (13) and Warne (6) kept the run-rate up despite the fall of wickets and with Damian Martyn not out on six, skipper Waugh decided to give his bowlers their chance before stumps.

They did not let him down and with South Africa resuming with Hendrik Dippenaar and Kallis yet to score, the scene is set for a fascinating final day's play.