Australia's extraordinary number seven Adam Gilchrist was upset that he had missed out on a century in Durban on Friday.

Gilchrist hit unbeaten knocks of 204 and 138 in the first two Tests which had gone a long way to establishing the impregnable 2-0 series lead the Australians now have in the three-match series.

And again he top-scored with 91 in Australia's total of 315 after they were put into bat on the first day of the third Test

The tourists' vice-captain said his disappointment was tempered by the fact that he had helped his team recover from 182-6 to post a competitive total.

Click here for day one scorecard: South Africa 48-1, replying to Asutralia's 315

"It was good to turn the momentum around and establish a few partnerships with the lower order," Gilchrist told reporters.

"All in all, we were disappointed to be bowled out on day one having been sent in on a reasonable batting wicket.

"It was great to get the team to up to that 300 mark, but very frustrating and disappointing not to get to three figures."

Gilchrist said the third match was just as important, even though the series was in the bag.

And Australia showed their intent by fielding an unchanged eleven, refusing to give any fringe players a Test.

We're trying to win every Test match we play," Gilchrist said. "We're under pressure because they've come out fighting again - they don't want to go down 3-0."