South Africa is preparing for a war of attrition on day three of the second Test against Australia at the MCG.

The tourists will resume on 2-169 with Herschelle Gibbs on 54 and Jacques Kallis 17.

World No.1-ranked batsman Kallis is keen to repay his side with a big score after dropping Australia's Mike Hussey on Tuesday when he was on 27.

Hussey went on to make 122 and had a partnership of 107 with Glenn McGrath (11 not out).

It was the fourth-highest 10th-wicket stand in Australian Test history and the best for the last wicket by Australia against South Africa.

Hussey, who has made three centuries in five Tests since making his debut last month against the West Indies, says Australia needs early wickets to regain the advantage.

"We've still got a great chance. The wicket's taking quite a bit of spin, there's a little bit of variable bounce as well," he said.

"So if we can get a couple of wickets early I think we're a real chance."

South African coach Mickey Arthur said: "It is going to be a day of attrition.

"We'll have (leg-spinner Shane) Warne bowling around the wicket into the rough, it's going to be a tough old day."

Arthur said Kallis would have held the crucial slips catch nine times out of 10.

"He feels he owes the team slightly," Arthur said, admitting Kallis was the key batsman in the side.

"He tends to be the wall, he's the rock around which we normally build our innings, but Herschelle has played beautifully so far.

"The ball has turned, but it has turned slowly. We feel it's going to be a crucial first hour and if we can get through that well we can maybe set ourselves up for something quite big in the first innings."

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