AB De Villiers stands tall for South Africa

South Africa's AB de Villiers cuts one en route his unbeaten 74 as Australia's wicketkeeper Tim Paine looks on during Day Two of the second Test in Port Elizabeth on Saturday. Pic:AP/PTI

AB de Villiers produced a counter-attacking masterclass to edge South Africa ahead in the second Test against Australia
in Port Elizabeth here on Saturday.

The Proteas were wobbling at 183 for six after losing a clatter of wickets but De Villiers went to stumps unbeaten on 74 from 81 balls as the hosts closed on 263 for seven with a lead of 20.

South Africa lost nightwatchman Kagiso Rabada (29) early on day two before Dean Elgar (57) and Hashim Amla (56) blunted Australia's potent attack. The tourists had a double opening when both batsmen were dismissed with the score on 155 and made further inroads to raise hopes of a first-innings advantage.

But De Villiers took the fight back to Australia with 14 boundaries and will resume alongside Vernon Philander (14) on Sunday morning aiming to push South Africa.