Australia have been dealt a blow in their innings, despite their bowlers crushing South Africa in the early sessions on day one of the third Test in Perth.
© AP Photos
The home side's pace attack took a strong hold of the contest in the morning and afternoon sessions, with Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Shane Watson and debutant John Hastings all taking wickets.
On a dismal day at the crease for the Proteas, Faf Du Plessis was the only lifeline for the visitors after he racked up 78 runs but South Africa were all out for 225, which gave the home side the chance to secure a high run-rate for the remainder of the evening session.
Despite Australia's bowlers being in fine form, their batsmen struggled as Ed Cowan was caught out for a duck and Watson could only muster 10 runs before leaving the field.
While plenty were expecting Ricky Ponting, who announced his retirement from Test cricket yesterday, to enter the field, Lyon was chosen ahead of the 37-year-old in the nightwatchman role.
Australia closed the day on 33-2 and trail South Africa by 192 runs.
