Steve Smith struck his 24th half-century in Test cricket

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

Australia captain Steve Smith and opener David Warner struck 56 and 51 respectively, but South Africa kept themselves in contention on a seesaw opening day in Durban.

Australia’s decision to bat first did not pay dividends initially as opener Cameron Bancroft was caught behind off the bowling of Vernon Philander for five runs.

Usman Khawaja failed to have an impact with the bat as well as he was caught behind off the bowling of Kagiso Rabada for 14.

David Warner and Australia captain Steve Smith stabilised the innings with a 56-run partnership, during which Warner brought up his half-century.

David Warner scored his 28th Test fifty

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

However, he was unable to make the most of it as he was caught by AB de Villiers at second slip off the bowling of Philander for 51, which came off 79 balls and included six boundaries.

Smith and Shaun Marsh added another 56 runs to the total before Smith was caught by De Villiers at slip off the bowling of Keshav Maharaj for 56, which came off 114 deliveries and included 11 boundaries.

Marsh went on to make 40 before he suffered the same fate as Smith.

Mitchell Marsh and Tim Paine were beginning to revive Australia’s innings, but after forging an unbeaten 48-run partnership, play was abandoned for the day due to bad light.

Marsh finished on 32 off 77 balls, which included seven boundaries, while Paine remained undefeated on 21 off 51 deliveries, which included three boundaries.

Philander and Maharaj picked up two wickets apiece, while Rabada claimed one.

Australia ended day one on 225/5 and will continue batting on Friday at 10:00 local time or 08:00 GMT.