Justin Langer's superb innings of 116, his fourth in five Tests, not only held the Australian innings together, it revealed much about South Africa's gameplan. By tea he had faced 173 balls for his 104, with a metronomic 150 (87%) of these on a good length. Just 16 balls strayed anywhere near leg stump; just 16 were dropped at all short. Shaun Pollock had demanded a disciplined performance from his bowlers, to stem Australia's run-flow, but such is Langer's form at the moment that he thrived regardless.

In the morning session, 34 of his 44 runs came through the covers - but absolutely nothing at all came behind square on the off side. In stark contrast, he dominated the afternoon session with the cut shot.

Thirty-three of his afternoon runs came behind square on the off side, and just five through his favoured cover region. The width he was given was minimal; 20 of his 85 balls were outside off stump, but just 13 were short of a length. The conclusion? He is in the form of his life.

Andrew Miller is on the staff of Wisden.com

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