Boucher keeps South African hopes alive

JOHANNESBURG, Apr 2 (Reuters) Shane Warne and Stuart Clark shared seven wickets for Australia, but Mark Boucher's defiant half-century kept South Africa's hopes alive in the third test today.

South Africa were 250 for eight in their second innings, a lead of 283 , when bad light ended play 17 overs early on day three.

Australia were dismissed for 270 in reply to South Africa's first innings of 303.

Fast bowler Clark took four for 64 and leg-spinner Warne picked up three for 83 when the home side batted a second time.

Boucher was 55 not out with Andre Nel on 18 in a stand of 56 for the unbroken ninth wicket.

Australia had resumed on 246 for seven but South Africa wrapped up the innings in the space of 27 deliveries with fast bowler Makhaya Ntini ending with six for 100.

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