SYDNEY (Reuters)
Australia said they were confident of winning the third and final Test against South Africa after another successful day, this time at Sydney.

Australia finished the first day in a strong position at 308 for 5 after Justin Langer and Matthew Hayden scored hundreds in a double-century partnership for the first wicket.

The South Africans fought back to capture five wickets after tea but the Australians said they remained upbeat because the pitch was starting to break up.

"I thought they showed a bit of fightback. They didn't know where the next wicket was going to come from but they stuck in there," Hayden said after making 105.

"But it's going to be a deteriorating wicket. The cracks are already starting to open up and I think if we can get another 150 tomorrow we'll be in a really good position."

Langer, who made 126, added: "I think we're in the box seat because we had a good day. It's going to be tough for the South Africans from here.

"They're obviously under pressure. They're disappointed to have lost the first two Tests and their demeanour was pretty flat."

Langer and Hayden put on 219 for the first wicket to join West Indian pair Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes as the only openers to share four double-century partnerships in Tests.

But Langer said it was a difficult wicket to bat on, adding: "We knew we were taking a bit of a risk batting first after winning the toss and batting on that wicket.

"For the first hour I didn't know where the next run was coming from because the ball was seaming all around the place and Allan Donald and Shaun Pollock were bowling really well."

Langer and Hayden have been the stars of the Australian summer, scoring four hundreds each in six domestic Tests as well sharing four double-century stands.

Langer has scored five centuries in his last seven matches since being recalled to the Australian team during last year's Ashes tour of England.

"It's been exciting, even a bit surreal, but if you'd asked me a few months ago if I'd be feeling like I am now I'd think you're crazy," Langer said.

"I've found a good recipe that works at the moment and I think I can stick to that and plenty of runs should come as a result.

"The key to batting is to be able to give 100% to every ball and clear your mind. I'm happy with the way I'm going but I'm also disappointed I really haven't gone on with it after making these hundreds, but I think the big one's just around the corner."

© Wisden CricInfo Ltd