Proteas reclaim the advantage

The Proteas have regained the upper-hand with two quick wickets late in the second session of day one in the first test against Australia at the WACA in Perth.

The Aussies were 172 for 5 at tea with Andrew Symonds and Brad Haddin at the crease.



Australia fought back after a poor start which left them 15 for 3.

The home side won the toss and elected to bat first, but lost wickets early in the innings as Makhaya Ntini and Dale Steyn made full use of the wicket's pace and bounce.

Ntini struck first when Matthew Hayden was caught in the slips by Graeme Smith on 12.

Ntini sent Ricky Ponting packing for a duck with his very next ball.

This time AB de Villiers held the catch in the slips.

Steyn got in on the act in the sixth over as Michael Hussey went for a duck after another brilliant slip clatch by de Villiers.

Simon Katich and Michael Clarke then built a s! olid partnership.

Katich was eventually caught LBW by Morne Morkel on 83.

Clarke was caught by Graeme Smith at mid-on for 62 off the bowling of Paul Harris.

The Proteas were forced to make a late change before the match with JP Duminy replacing the in-form Ashwell Prince who was hit on the thumb yesterday.

It is cracked so he will be out for ten days, meaning he could also miss the Boxing Day clash.