The South African cricketers staged a remarkable comeback to grab a first-innings lead over Australia in the second Test following a record ninth-wicket partnership between JP Duminy and Dale Steyn.
Resuming at198-7 on day three at the MCG in reply to Australia's 394, the Proteas reached 8-399 at tea, an overall lead of five runs.
Duminy was 120 not out, his maiden century in only his second Test, while Steyn scored 70.
The ninth-wicket partnership of 148 in 189 minutes bettered the 85 by brothers Peter and Graeme Pollock for South Africa against Australia at Cape Town in 1966-67.
Australia's initial breakthrough on Sunday came from the unlikely source of part-timer Hussey, who took his first wicket in his 33rd Test.
Spinner Paul Harris made 39, caught at long-on after adding 67 for the eighth wicket with Duminy.