Proteas chase big Australia A total in tour match

Alex Doolan posted his best first-class score of 161 before Australia A declared its first innings at 480-7 midway through a three-day match with South Africa.

The Proteas,preparing for the first of three tests against Australia,were 128-1 at stumps Saturday on the second day at the Sydney Cricket Ground,with captain Graeme Smith not out 60. Only two wickets fell Saturday.

Australia A declared its innings minutes away from the nine-hour mark of play,halfway through three six-hour days of play,allowing South Africa some valuable time in the crease before the Gabba test in Brisbane begins next Friday.

Doolan featured in a 162-run partnership with Tasmanian teammate Tim Paine (60 not out),the third century stand of the Australia A innings.