The math is simple for the Proteas. They must survive with the heart of champions and strike with the hunger of contenders.

As Day Four dawns at Kingsmead, South Africa are staring up at a mountain as Australia have drawn a line in the sand with a wonderful recovery from 124/6 to a mammoth 390 all out. Matt Renshaw scored an outstanding 190 while posting the highest-ever ninth-wicket partnership of 134 with Nathan Lyon. After being 106 ahead on first innings, Australia drew level with South Africa at 139 by the close of play on Day Three.

However, there is no panic in the Proteas' camp as they are no strangers to coming from behind in Test cricket. Just last year at Lord's in the World Test Championship final, South Africa found themselves 74 behind after the first innings before laying down a famous draw. While the conditions at Kingsmead are likely to be nothing like the infamous St John's Wood, it is the manner of their recovery from the brink that will provide a vital blueprint for success on South Africa's home soil.

Five things South Africa needs to do to follow in their predecessor's footsteps and save the series in Durban

1. Shatter the Opening Stand Early

Nothing changes until the Proteas get a foothold. Pace spearheads Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder must come early blows on Day Four to deny Australia the oxygen of a settled opening partnership. A 139-run deficit is a manageable chase on a wearing fifth-day track; anything past 250 could write a terminal sentence.

2. Slay the Ghost of the Lower-Order Escape

The turning point of this Test was that South Africa had Australia on the canvas at 124/6 but let them slip through their fingers. Renshaw's masterclass and his historic ninth-wicket rescue act with Lyon completely hijacked the momentum. If the Proteas break through early this morning, they must have the killer instinct to finish what they start and avoid a repeat performance.

3. Let the Spin Twins Unleash

South Africa selected two specialist spinners for a reason, and the time for delivery is now. While they would ideally have preferred bowling on a breaking Day Five to win, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer must orchestrate their heroics on Day Four to keep the door open.

As Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince noted: “We'll see a few more of the spinners tomorrow. Maybe a few innovative field placings and put the ball in their court to come and play.” Nathan Lyon has already laid down the blueprint with the ball; now it is time for South Africa's spin twins to match it.

4. Embrace the Art of Grinding Resilience

When it is time for South Africa to pick up their bats again, they need to look no further than Renshaw's first-innings masterclass. His marathon 190 off 397 deliveries was a masterwork in discipline rather than dominance. The Proteas must completely erase the scoreboard deficit from their minds, occupy the crease and trust their defence. Australia's attack has feasted on impatience; survival must precede stroke-play.

5. Forge Belief Through Session-by-Session Fight

Champions are forged in the crucible of adversity. South Africa doesn't need to force a miraculous turnaround in a single session. Every hour survived at the crease, and every wicket claimed, eats away at Australia's psychological grip on the contest. A couple of rapid breakthroughs on Day Four could instantly pivot the mood in the dressing room and force the Baggy Greens into a hasty reassessment of their declaration strategy.