A stylish Ed Cowan powers a shot through the off-side field. Photo: Getty Images
Australian skipper Michael Clarke has just brought up his hundred to join opener Ed Cowan on three figures in the first Test against South Africa at the Gabba.
Midway through day four, the Australians are 3-264 with Cowan 122 not out and Clarke unbeaten on 100.
They remain 186 runs behind South Africa’s first innings of 450 but haven't lost a wicket since late on Sunday.
Cowan has cemented his opening position and lifted Australia to safe ground at the Gabba with his timely ton.
Under pressure heading into the heavyweight three-Test series, Cowan combined with skipper Michael Clarke for a record fourth-wicket stand of 174 which put the home side at 3-214 at lunch.
It's been a crucial partnership for Australia as they came together with their side in trouble at 3-40 on Sunday afternoon in reply to the tourists' big first-innings total of 450.
Cowan progressed to 98 not out at lunch with Clarke unbeaten on 78 as they batted through the morning session after resuming at 3-111 on Monday.
The Sydney-bred Tasmanian has hit 13 boundaries in his 180-ball stay, and has particularly punished anything short by the acclaimed Proteas attack to surpass his previous best Test score of 74 against India last summer in Perth.
Entering the series-opener with an average of 29.86 after seven Tests, Cowan was also under the pump following a sting of minor scores in the Sheffield Shield (averaging 21) and Rob Quiney's promotion in the absence of Shane Watson.
The closest the Proteas got to removing Cowan was inducing a French cut from a "leave" of Steyn which passed within inches from the off-stump and raced to the boundary.
Clarke had more jittery moments, twice enjoying some luck with leading edges off Vernon Philander and Rory Kleiveldt that lobbed over fielders.
Dale Steyn was well negated in his early spell with the ball still shiny but he picked up his pace in his second spell to give the Australian skipper a working over.
Cowan and Clarke's partnership eclipsed Mark Taylor and Mark Waugh's 1993-94 fourth-wicket record (169) against the Proteas at the MCG.
AAP
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