PERTH, April 20: A late assault on the South Africa ‘A’ bowling put Australia ‘A’ in a strong position at the end of the second day of the three-day match at the WACA Ground here on Sunday.

An enterprising innings by South African Test spinner Nicky Boje initially set up the prospect of an intriguing finale to the game as he bludgeoned sixteen fours in his 74 to give his side a marginal first innings lead.

But after a bold declaration by Boje on the stroke of tea, Michael Hussey (76 not out) and skipper Simon Katich (65 not out) flayed the visitors’ attack to guide their side to 163 for one at the close, a lead of 161.

The diminutive Boje was in dashing touch, taking South Africa to 253 for seven declared after they had been reduced to 5-97, largely by Tasmanian paceman Damien Wright (3-70).

The South Africans were replying to Australia ‘A’s first innings 251.

Wright and wicket-keeper Ryan Campbell combined superbly early in the day for the wickets of opener Ahmed Amla (10), Ashwell Prince (32) and the dangerous looking Justin Kemp (40), with Campbell also pouching Martin van Jaarsveld (20) off Michael Lewis.

At the start of Australia ‘A’s second knock, Katich hit 19 off one Albie Morkel over in blasting to his unbeaten 65 off just 61 balls.

Brief scores:

AUSTRALIA ‘A’ 251 (B.J. Hodge 160; C. Langeveldt 4-78) and 163-1 (M.E. Hussey 76 not out, S.M. Katich 65 not out);

SOUTH AFRICA ‘A’ 253-7 declared (N. Boje 74, J. Kemp 40, T. Tsolekile 35 not out, A. Prince 32, M. van Jaarsveld 20; D. Wright 3-70, M. Lewis 2-70).—AFP