New Delhi, Oct. 13 -- South Africa face a daunting fourth-innings challenge against Australia in the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban, with the Proteas needing 319 more runs on the final day to win a match that the visitors have dominated. With Australia setting a target of 421, the contest also brings the highest successful run chase in Test cricket into focus.

The record belongs to the West Indies, who chased down 418 against Australia at the Antigua Recreation Ground in St John's in May 2003. The hosts reached 418/7 to secure a three-wicket victory, completing the biggest successful fourth-innings chase in the history of the format.

South Africa must overcome Australia's attack and the pressure of chasing a substantial total in the ...