Shane Warne is perfectly placed to add some more highlights to his glittering career on the final day of the first Test against South Africa in Perth.

The tourists will resume their second innings on 2-85 at the WACA, still needing a mammoth 406 runs to produce the highest successful run chase in cricket history.

The far more likely scenario is the Proteas dig their heels in and attempt to salvage a draw and head to the MCG for game two still even in the best-of-three series.

That's where Warne comes in, the world's leading wicket-taker who has repeatedly proven himself deadly at bowling Australia to victory.

He picked up opener AB de Villiers for just 12 on Monday and is sure to bowl a mountain of overs on day five.

Brad Hodge, who plays alongside Warne for Victoria, is backing the champion leg-spinner to wreak plenty of havoc.

"It's never easy, but with Warney in the form he's in, he's a great asset to have in any side," he said.

"He's already caused a lot of problems (on day four), so I bet it'll be no different today."

South Africa has already shown some fighting spirit, however, and injured all-rounder Jacques Kallis believes his side does have the ability to last the day, despite a pitch that appears to favour Warne.

"The guys were saying the ball is turning out of the rough," Kallis said.

"So it gets back to your game-plan.

"Each guy has a way of playing it and you've got to stick with that.

"I think the moment you go half-heartedly at something or don't stick to your game-plan, you get into trouble."

The Proteas are playing their first ever Test match at the WACA, which has played considerably slower this week than the lightning pace for which it is renowned.

"I think the guys expected it to be a little bit quicker and bouncier and perhaps not turn as much," Kallis said.

"It's a little bit surprising, but I think it's still a good wicket."

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