20 Mar 2009

South Africa fight back in third cricket test

6:36 am on 20 March 2009

The South African cricketers were in such complete control on the opening day of the third and final test against Australia in Cape Town, they've gone a long way toward denying the tourists a 3-nil sweep of the series.

On a grassy Newlands pitch, Australia were dismissed for 209 and South Africa had reached 57 without loss at stumps.

After an opening partnership of 58, wickets tumbled at regular intervals including those of skipper Ricky Ponting and Michael Clarke for ducks.

The Proteas fast bowler Dale Steyn took 4 wickets for 56 and spinner Paul Harris took 3-34 including both openers.