Australia batsman Brad Hodge says he will not sleep easily after closing in on his maiden Test century in Perth. Hodge (91) put on 126 with Mike Hussey as the hosts ended day three of the first Test 272 ahead of South Africa.
The Victorian said: "Being in the 90s for the first time in Test cricket is always an anxious time for a batsman.
"I was hoping I would get it today because sleeping overnight might would be a bit difficult but I'd rather be sitting here 91 not out than out."
With the traditionally pacy Waca surface flattening out, the run-rate slowed considerably on a hot day.
But the hosts overcame a sticky spell - they were struggling on 185-4 at tea - to take charge of the series opener.
 |  We're in a good position and hopefully we can continue tomorrow |
"It was really hard but that's what Test cricket is about - two sides fighting it out," Hodge added.
"It was just a matter of being patient, working hard and grinding the bowlers down. It was a warm day so the longer it went on the easier it was going to be for batting.
"We're in a good position and hopefully we can continue tomorrow."
South Africa coach Mickey Arthur insists all is not lost for his side even though they face a tough fourth-innings chase.
Hodge was dropped early in his innings while Hussey was given a life late in the day.
"We're a little disappointed that a couple of chances went down but I'm very proud of the lads," he said.
"I thought we fought very well today. We can still do it, the wicket's still very good and I'm positive."
Australia captain Ricky Ponting was brilliantly caught by Jacques Rudolph off Charl Langeveldt when he was on four but it was called a no-ball.
Replays showed the bowler had not over-stepped and Ponting went on to make 53 but Arthur shrugged off the disappointment.
"It would have exposed the middle order - it was crucial - and the guys were a little bit annoyed," he added.
"But I was very proud of their reaction. Apparently the umpires apologised out in the middle once they had seen it on the screen and we accepted it.
"It's part and parcel of the game. You can't harp on about these things."
MMIX
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