February 27, 2009

Australia fought back from 3-38 to reach 5-254 at stumps on day one of the first Test against South Africa, with Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke making half-centuries.

Debutant Marcus North was 47 not out and shared a 72-run partnership with wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, unbeaten on 37.

Australia have all-rounder Andrew McDonald to come in at No.8 after leaving out New South Wales pace bowler Doug Bollinger. Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus are yet to bat.

North, 29, is one of three debutants in the side, with Hilfenhaus and 20-year-old opener Phil Hughes, who made a fourth-ball duck.

Western Australia captain North hit six fours in a composed two-hour knock, helping Australia reach a respectable position at stumps.

Bad light stopped play at 4.45pm local time in Johannesburg after 68 overs, with 22 overs remaining to be bowled in the day's play. Ground staff immediately placed covers over the centre-wicket area as rain started to fall.

Dropped at first slip on 40, skipper Ponting scored a stylish 83 including 11 fours and one six, adding 113 for the fourth wicket with Clarke, who made 68.

Ponting was bowled by a classic inswinger from Makhaya Ntini at 4-151, and Clarke fell to an extravagant off-drive 31 runs later, caught behind as Dale Steyn (3-82) claimed his third victim of the innings.

Clarke lost his wicket in the penultimate over before tea.

Ponting had won the toss with conditions at the Wanderers stadium expected to favour swing bowlers.

Australia were 3-78 at lunch after Steyn dismissed Hughes (0) and fellow NSW opener Simon Katich (3). Mike Hussey also failed, scoring 4.

Katich fell to a magnificent catch by Neil McKenzie, who dived to his right at gully and Hussey was caught at second slip off Morkel's bowling.

Australia haven't played three debutants in the same Test match since Merv Hughes, Geoff Marsh and Bruce Reid helped Allan Border's side draw the Adelaide Test against Kapil Dev's India in December, 1985.

Smith's South Africa will snatch Test cricket's top ranking from Australia if they win this three-Test series.