South Africa fought back after Justin Langer scored his fourth century in five tests today to help Australia reach 272 for six on the first day of the first Test. Langer made 115 to set the Australians up for a large first innings total before the South Africans struck late in the day, taking five wickets for only 66 runs.
Left-arm spinner Claude Henderson picked up the wickets of Langer, Steve Waugh (8) and Adam Gilchrist (7) to finish the day with three for 55 after Australia had been cruising at 182-1 after lunch.
Ricky Ponting was Australia's second highest run scorer with 54 while Damien Martyn was unbeaten on 37 at the close of the first day of a series that will decide who are the current world champions. Bureau Report