The stage is set for Ricky Ponting to play one of the most memorable innings of his career, with Australia needing 168 on the final day to win the second Test against South Africa in Johannesburg.
Australia are 3-142 at stumps after 37 overs with former captain Ponting 54 not out and his successor Michael Clarke new at the crease and unbeaten on 1.
South Africa were eventually bowled out for 339 in their second dig shortly after lunch on day four, setting Australia a record victory target of 310 to square the series.
While all eyes will now be on Ponting, the star of the show for Australia on Sunday was teenage fast bowling sensation Pat Cummins, who took 6-79.
In doing so he became the second youngest player in history to take six wickets in an innings of a Test, and Cummins described his breakout day as "surreal."
The 18-year-old said the pitch is good enough for Australia to be considered favourites.
"I think we've got ourselves in a brilliant position," Cummins said.
"Obviously after a long day yesterday, today has been a great day for us and I think if we put in a good couple of hours tomorrow we're in the box seat.
"The game is in the balance right now but we've got ourselves back into it and with someone like Ricky there at the moment, who looks pretty settled, it's an exciting set up for tomorrow.
"Swing is the main thing to look out for, a couple jumped but it wasn't anything too concerning I don't think."
Usman Khawaja (65) made the highest score in his four-Test career and Ponting his first half-century in 12 months in a crucial partnership of 122.
It came after Vernon Philander (2-31) knocked over openers Shane Watson (0) and Phil Hughes (11) early to leave Australia reeling at 2-19.
Ponting is still a long way from his first century since January 2010, but so far he's playing like a man on a mission.
Plenty has been written about how the Tasmanian's eye, timing and confidence isn't what it was.
This is all true, but Ponting showed the fighting spirit which has defined his career is still burning away within.
Under intense pressure to hold his place in the side for the start of the Australian summer, Ponting needed a big score to keep the wolves at bay.
The end may still be near, but Ponting gave a timely reminder of his place amongst the greatest batsmen of all time.
When Khawaja fell to spinner Imran Tahir (1-23) shortly before bad light stopped play, it was a telling blow.
Only four teams have ever won in Johannesburg batting last and the highest successful fourth-innings run chase was 294 set by Australia in 2006.
In the first session, Hashim Amla made 105 for South Africa and is confident an early wicket on day five will have the Proteas in the box seat.
"You would rather be in our change rooms than theirs," said Amla.
"It's not an easy wicket to bat on, there's certain times in the game where the wicket is doing a bit more than usual.
"The early morning sessions are quite crucial. You have to hope you play good lines and score off the bad balls."
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