Forty-seven remains the number everyone remembers. But the morning after Australia’s extraordinary collapse, South Africa still had a Test to win.

Fifteen years ago today, Smith and Amla finished the job, taking the Proteas to a target of 236 with a second-wicket partnership of 195. Smith ended unbeaten on 101, while Amla made 112 in a chase completed before lunch on the third day.

The previous afternoon had offered little suggestion that batting could look so straightforward.

South Africa had been dismissed for 96 in reply to Australia’s 284, conceding a first-innings lead of 188. Shane Watson took 5-17, leaving the hosts facing a difficult route back into the match.

Then came one of the great reversals.

Australia slumped to 21-9 before their final pair lifted the total to 47. Vernon Philander, playing his first Test, took 5-15. Morne Morkel claimed 3-9, with Dale Steyn taking the other two wickets. By stumps, 23 wickets had fallen in the day.

South Africa resumed on 81-1, still needing 155. After the chaos, Smith and Amla gave the innings the assurance it needed.

Amla survived dropped catches on 29 and 30, then punished Australia with his familiar combination of timing and placement. His century was his first against them in Test cricket. He eventually fell with 14 runs required, leaving Smith to see the chase through.

The captain reached his hundred with the single that levelled the scores, then struck the winning run. Philander took the player-of-the-match award after returning match figures of 8-78 on debut.

Australia’s 47 belonged to 10 November. The following day belonged to two South African batsmen who made a remarkable recovery count.

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