Cape Town - Proteas batsman Jacques Kallis is optimistic that they can hit back after a disappointing display on the first day of the second Test against Australia at the Wanderers.

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The South Africans were cruising at 241 for four before losing their last six wickets for 25 runs to be bundled out for 266.

"Our goal was 350 runs and despite the pitch not always being easy to bat on, we should have done better.

"The coach (Gary Kirsten) made it clear to us that it wasn't good enough," Kallis told the Beeld newspaper.

Kallis scored a quick-fire 54 from just 41 balls to reach the milestone of becoming only the fourth batsman to score 12 000 Test runs. Only Sachin Tendulkar (15 048), Rahul Dravid (12 860) and Ricky Ponting (12 495) have amassed more runs.

And the veteran all-rounder is optimistic that the bowlers can turn the match back in South Africa's favour.

"Here at the Corlett-drive end it was at times tough to bat on because the the odd ball seemed to stick a bit and didn't come through well. At the golf course end it was more true and you could play with more assurance.

"If we put the ball in the right areas and remain patient, we can still get back into this Test.

"Our bowlers are keen to make right what the batsmen stuffed up," said Kallis.