South Africa beat Australia in remarkable turnaround

South Africa captain Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla led their country to a remarkable comeback victory against Australia when the hosts won the topsy-turvy first test by eight wickets on Friday.

Chasing 236 for the win after a bizarre second day in which 23 wickets fell and parts of all four innings took place, Smith (101 not out) and Amla (112) put on 195 for the second wicket to stun Australia.

Clarke century thwarts Steyn

Australian captain Michael Clarke hit an aggressive century to cancel out some superb fast bowling by South Africa's Dale Steyn on the first day of the first Test at Newlands here on Wednesday.


Clarke hit 107 not out in an Australian total of 214 for eight, while Steyn proved a constant threat to the batsmen on a seam-friendly surface, taking four for 31. New cap Vernon Philander took three for 54.

Watson sends S. Africa crashing in Test

Shane Watson took five wickets in 20 balls to send South Africa crashing to 96 all out on the second day of the first Test against Australia at Newlands on Thursday. 

The Australian all-rounder enabled his side to take a 188-run first innings lead with a devastating spell in which he took five wickets for 17 runs. 

South Africa struck back, reducing Australia to 13 for three at tea after an extraordinary session in which 12 wickets fell for 60 runs in 18.1 overs. 

Australia capture early wicket in S. Africa Test

Australia captured an early South African wicket after stretching their first innings by 70 runs on the second day of the first Test at Newlands on Thursday. 

South Africa were 49 for one at lunch in reply to Australia?s 284. Jacques Rudolph was bowled by Ryan Harris for 18. 

Australian captain Michael Clarke took his score to 151 before he was last man out in a frustrating morning for the South Africans. 

Clarke century thwarts Steyn

Australian captain Michael Clarke hit an aggressive century to counter some superb fast bowling by South Africa's Dale Steyn on the first day of the first Test at Newlands on Wednesday. Clarke hit 107 not out in an Australian total of 214 for eight, while Steyn proved a constant threat to the batsmen on a seam-friendly surface, taking 4 for 31. Test Debutant Vernon Philander took three for 54. 

Shaun Marsh was the only top order batsman to provide meaningful support to Clarke, making 44 and helping his captain put on 103 for the fourth wicket. For the rest it was a struggle after Australia were sent in to bat on a day restricted by rain and bad light to 55 overs. 

Clarke said he expected the ball to swing and seam throughout the match. He said he would have liked his team to have posted 300 but felt they remained in contention in the opening clash of a two-match series. "We're going to have to bowl well. If we hit our areas and hold our catches we're in the ball game." 

In pics: South Africa vs Australia, 1st Test, Day 1