South Africa won the toss on Wednesday and elected to field first, given the overhead conditions. While the Proteas find themselves slightly on the back foot, it was still a sound decision. The ball moved consistently throughout the day – a fact made clear from the very first delivery, when Kagiso Rabada came agonisingly close to finding the edge of Usman Khawaja’s bat.

On a day dominated by the bowlers, Australia were bowled out for 212 in 56.4 overs, with Rabada claiming an impressive 5 for 51 and Marco Jansen taking 3 for 49. Keshav Maharaj and Aiden Markram picked up a wicket apiece.

Beau Webster top-scored for the Aussies with a composed 72, while Steve Smith contributed 66. Wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey chipped in with 23.

South Africa’s reply got off to a shaky start, with Markram bowled for a duck by Mitchell Starc off just the fifth ball of the innings.

Ryan Rickelton followed soon after for 16, also falling to Starc, while Wiaan Mulder was dismissed by captain Pat Cummins for a patient 6 off 44 deliveries. Tristan Stubbs didn’t last long either, bowled by Josh Hazlewood for just 2.

Mitchell Starc. Photo: Cricinfo

At the close of play, the Proteas were reeling at 43 for 4 after 22 overs, with Starc leading the charge with figures of 2 for 10.

Former Australian skipper Steve Smith admitted it wasn’t the easiest wicket to bat on but said they were pleased with the position they’re in heading into day two.

“I think we’re in a good spot. We probably missed a few opportunities with the bat to post a bigger total, but the wicket offered something throughout the day, as we saw,” said Smith.

“We’re in a pretty decent position – 169 ahead and they’re four down. Hopefully it does a bit in the morning again like it did today. It could’ve been better, but we’re still sitting nicely.”

Rabada, who overtook Allan Donald to become South Africa’s fourth-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, said although the Proteas are in a tough spot, there’s still a long way to go – and no need to panic.

“Yeah, 212 – you’ll take that. We thought we could’ve had them for around 160, but that’s just the nature of the game,” said Rabada.

“At 43 for 4, it’s not the start we wanted, but there’s still a long way to go in this Test match. We’ve just got to keep pushing.

Marco Jansen and Steve Smith. Photo: Cricinfo

“I think the ball was nipping quite a bit, and at times moving off the slope quite a lot. But I still felt like batters could get in.

“If you bowled well and consistently in the right areas for long enough, you could create chances. But again, with this ball getting older, hopefully we can score some runs as it softens.”

Play resumes on Thursday morning at 11:30, with South Africa still trailing by 169 runs in their first innings. Temba Bavuma (3*) and David Bedingham (8*) will resume the fight for the Proteas.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek