ADELAIDE. Feb 1: Shaun Pollock tore through Australia's batting order today to put South Africa In control on the th-

ird day of the third and final cricket Test at Adelaide Oval, reports Reuters.

Pollock. 24. finished with career-best figures of seven for 78 Australia collapsed to 327 for nine at the close, still 190 runs behind South Africa's daunting first innings total of 517.

Only captain Mark Taylor stood defiant as South Africa pushed for a victory to square the series at 1-1. finishing unbeaten on 157 after watching nine partners fall by the wayside.

He brought up his 17th Test century shortly before tea and fought on grimly in the final session as his teammates departed in quick succession.

The Australian captain had a life on 40 when he was dropped at third slip by Jacques Kallis and another on 45 when his edge fell Just short of the slips but he was otherwise in control and grew In confidence as his marathon innings progressed.

In guiding Australia past 317. Taylor ensured that his team narrowly avoided the follow-on and that the visitors would have to bat a second time.

South Africa should have dismissed Australia before the cut-off point but paid the price for five dropped catches, a lapse which may ultimately save Australia from defeat.

Pollock, whose figures were the second best return by any South African bowler against

Australia after Hughie Tay field's seven for 23 in 1949-50. had two chances dropped off his bowling, including one off Taylor.

With South Africa's main strike bowler Allan Donald out with Injury, the Proteas relied heavily on Pollock who responded magnificently.

The flame-haired right-arm paceman took his first wicket before the close on Saturday when he had Matthew Elliott caught by Kallis.

He picked up Greg Blewett for 31 in the first over today then added the Waugh twins. Mark (63) and Steve (six) between lunch and tea.

In the final session. Pollock dismissed wicketkeeper Ian Healy, who was playing in his 100th Test. For one, then Michael Kasprowicz and Shane Warne in successive balls for ducks during a devastating 12-over spell In which he took four for 14 as Australia slumped from 273 for five to 279 for eight. .

Pollock's performance was all the more admirable because he achieved It on a wicket which offered little assistance to the bowlers and on a day of sweltering heat.

With temperatures reaching 42 degrees Celsius before a cool change late In the day. umpires Steve Randell and Doug Cowie allowed the players to take drink breaks every 40 minutes instead of the usual 60.