Battered Proteas pace attack leaves door ajar

Australia batter Joe Burns insists the tourists have plenty to play for on the final day of the fourth Test in Johannesburg as they look to salvage a draw against a battered Proteas bowling attack.

Facing an impossible target of 612 for a series levelling-series victory, Australia enter the final day of the controversial series with seven wickets in hand and 90 overs to get through.

But South Africa will be searching for one final effort from their pace trio in the hope of sealing an historic series victory in style, having delayed their declaration until the tea break on Monday.

While leg-spinning legend Shane Warne was joined by many fans in questioning the home side's tactics, it soon became clear why the declaration was put on hold when the Proteas camp provided a fitness update on their bowlers.

Retiring quick Morne Morkel suffered a left side strain during Australia's first innings on day three, while Kagiso Rabada (stiff lower back) and Vernon Philander (sore groin) were nursing niggles of their own at the end of an arduous campaign.

While all three bowled – and looked threatening – on the fourth evening, Australia will be aiming to keep them out there as long as possible despite the series escaping their grasp.

"We've had a few bowlers that have pulled up with niggles and it was a bit of a concern for us if they would be able to bowl in the second innings," Proteas opener Dean Elgar said after play on Monday.

"Thank goodness they could actually get through quite a few overs for us and bowl quite well on a wicket that is assisting them quite nicely.

"If we've got them running at 60 per cent it's going to be awesome for us tomorrow."

While South Africa's pacemen aren't at full fitness, they will get final use of a pitch that has played its fair share of tricks throughout the Test.

Numerous balls have beaten the bat or taken the edge and evaded the fielders, but new Australia skipper Tim Paine is confident they have the plan to see out the day.

"It's difficult, there's no doubt about that," he told SuperSport after play.

"I think the thing with this pitch is you don't ever feel like you are in. You've got to fight for every run.

"The biggest key we've found is that not a lot of balls have been hitting the stumps this Test match because of the bounce.

"If you leave well and play the line, you're more chance of having a bit of success.

"There may be a ball on that wicket tomorrow that's just got your name on it, but play the line and look to leave really well then we can look to hang around and make it really hard for them."

Qantas tour of South Africa

South Africa squad: Faf du Plessis (c), Hashim Amla, Temba Bavuma, Theunis de Bruyn, Dean Elgar, Heinrich Klaasen, Quinton de Kock, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Morne Morkel, Chris Morris, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Duanne Olivier, Vernon Philander, Kagiso Rabada, AB de Villiers.

Australia squad: Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Peter Handscomb, Josh Hazlewood, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Tim Paine, Matt Renshaw, Jhye Richardson, Chadd Sayers, Mitchell Starc.

Warm-up match: Australia beat South Africa A by five wickets. Report, highlights

First Test Australia won by 118 runs. Scorecard

Second Test South Africa won by six wickets. Scorecard

Third Test South Africa won by 322 runs. Scorecard

Fourth Test Wanderers, Johannesburg, March 30-April 3. Live coverage