SOUTH AFRICA IN BEAUTY

A superb new-ball spell by South Africa’s Dale Steyn and a

magnificent catch by Neil McKenzie had Australia rocking at 78 for
three at lunch on the
first day of the first Test on Thursday.

Australia won the toss and elected to bat first but 20-year-old debutant Phillip Hughes fell in the first over for a duck, edging an awful cut at a Steyn bouncer into the gloves of wicket-keeper Mark Boucher.

Fellow opener Simon Katich (3) survived some scares outside off stump before McKenzie terminated his 40-minute innings with a stunning one-handed catch in the gully, diving full length to intercept a back-foot drive off Steyn.

South Africa made another breakthrough 45 minutes before lunch when Morne Morkel had Michael Hussey caught at second slip by Jacques Kallis for four to leave Australia on 38 for three.

Ricky Ponting survived to the break and played some top class strokes in a defiant 49 not out.

The Australian captain had a major let off, however, in the second over before lunch when he edged Steyn into the slips only for Graeme Smith to drop a comfortable catch. Ponting hooked the next delivery into the crowd beyond fine leg.

Michael Clarke is in with Ponting, on 17 not out. Steyn has taken two for 23 in eight overs.