Price took the fifth-best Test figures for a Zimbabwean

The 27-year-old at one time lost 75% of his hearing as a result of the illness and remains partially deaf in one ear.

But that proved no obstacle to his claiming 6-121 on day three at the SCG.

"If anything, it's driven me on more because sometimes when you lack in certain areas you try harder and it makes you focus more," Price said.

BEST BOWLING FOR ZIMBABWE 8-109 PA Strang v NZ, Bulawayo, 2000/01 6-87 HH Streak v Eng, Lord's, 2000 6-90 HH Streak v Pak, Harare, 1994/95 6-109 AG Huckle v NZ, Bulawayo, 1997/98 6-121 RW Price v Aus, Sydney, 2002/03

"It just stuffed up my balance a little bit, just made it quite difficult.

"I was never really a great sportsman as a kid, just loved playing anything."

Price recorded the fifth-best bowling figures in Zimbabwean Test history.

Were it not for the loss of three late Zimbabwe wickets, the tourists would still have a chance of victory.

Day three report: Zimbabwe take small lead

But Australia resumed normal service by stumps, lurking just 54 runs behind.

Price, the nephew of golfer Nick Price, gained plaudits for dismissing India batsman Sachin Tendulkar three times in a Test series in India 18 early last year.

But he was ecstatic to add the wicket of Australia's captain to his list.

"Steve Waugh's wicket was definitely my favourite," he said. "Jeepers, I mean, he's a legend.

"I watched him in India and just all over the world really when I was young, and just the chance to bowl to him and get him out is unreal."