South African speedster Kagiso Rabada was the architect and took five-wicket haul which came in the space of an unplayable three-over explosion. Australian wicket keeper batsmen, Tim Paine saved Australia’s blushes with a fighting knock of 36 runs which lifted a disastrous 200 score to a more respectable score, but still underwhelming total of 243 runs in the first innings.

Australia are now relying on the Port Elizabeth pitch to continue to play up, with South Africa setting themselves to seize the advantage on day two when they resume on 1-39. Australian opening star batsmen David Warner responded to his week from hell like a man on a mission, but the vice-captain got a peach of a delivery from Proteas rookie Lungi Ngidi and had to go for 63 runs.

From the second session it was a different match, Australian middle order crumbled against the swing and speed of Philander and Rabada. The fiery spell of Kagiso Rabada just before the tea break hit Australia hard. He got skipper Smith and Marsh and South Africa were well in front in the game by then. Handy contribution from Paine took Australia to a respectable score of 243. Markram and Elgar started well, but Cummins came as first change bowler and sent back Markram in his first over. Smith introduced Lyon in the final over and he got the ball to turn and bounce. He will be absolutely pivotal tomorrow. This match is in South Africa's favor but a couple of wickets early on day two will bring Australia back in the game.