Carey ton puts Australia in box seat in second test

MELBOURNE :A maiden century by wicketkeeper Alex Carey pushed Australia closer to a series-sealing victory in the second test as South Africa's batsmen were left with a mountain to climb at the end of a rain-hit day three on Wednesday.

South Africa were 15 for one when play was stopped seven overs after tea and later abandoned.

The Proteas still need 371 runs to make Australia bat again after the hosts declared for 575 for eight under gathering clouds at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

South Africa captain Dean Elgar was caught behind for a duck off the bowling of home captain Pat Cummins, continuing a dismal series for the seasoned opener.

Opener Sarel Erwee was seven not out and number three Theunis de Bruyn on six.

With drizzle falling and the ball skidding on a damp pitch, Erwee and De Bruyn headed off gratefully when the umpires halted play.

But Australia will be confident of taking the final nine wickets having skittled the tourists for 189 in the first innings and less in the first test win in Brisbane.

The hosts dominated for a third successive day, with South Australian Carey batting superbly in a knock of 111.

All-rounder Cameron Green finished unbeaten on 51 despite nursing a broken index finger that saw him retire on day two.

Tail-ender Mitchell Starc was also nursing a sore finger on his bowling hand but sent down a few overs after tea before the rain.

Carey and Green built a 117-run partnership upon resuming after lunch, with South Africa's bowlers barely threatening through most of a meandering session under leaden skies.

Carey pulled Marco Jansen for three to bring up his century just after the drinks break but was caught and bowled by the all-rounder after sending a top-edge high above the pitch.

Anrich Nortje had