Haddin frustrates South Africa

Brad Haddin and Jason Krejza ensured South Africa will have to chase at least 322 to win the first Test as the Australian tail wagged on day three at the WACA.

Australia bowled South Africa out for 281 early this morning, in response to the hosts’ first-innings 375, Mitchell Johnson taking one more wicket to finish with 8-61 - the eighth-best Test analysis by an Australia bowler.

South Africa seemed determined to atone for their batting woes, reducing Australia to 162 for seven. But Haddin (39 not out) and Krejza (28 not out) hit back in an unbroken stand of 66 which took the total to 228 without further loss by the close.

The day begun with Dale Steyn being caught behind off Johnson, who would have had a ninth wicket had Haddin clung on to a tough, swirling catch behind offered by Mark Boucher.

It was a miss which allowed Arthur Mailey’s 87-year-old record of 9-121 to stand as Australia’s finest innings bowling figures.

Brad Haddin helped add 66 with Jason Krezja to check South Africa's momentum

When Australia batted again, Matthew Hayden was gone before lunch - unlucky to be given out caught and bowled by Steyn when replays confirmed the ball had hit only his pads.

Simon Katich (37) and Ricky Ponting (32) failed to capitalise on making a good start, Mike Hussey fell cheaply and after tea Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds and Brett Lee departed in quick succession.

Ponting had some excuses, battling on despite an abdominal strain before being deceived by some extra bounce from slow left-armer Paul Harris.

Katich failed to move his feet effectively, while both Clarke and Symonds, after compiling a careful 60-run partnership, were victims of their own poor shot selection once again.

Both batsmen were guilty of giving away their wickets through rash shots in the first innings, but they held themselves in check for an hour - before Clarke slashed at a wide Steyn delivery and was caught behind.

Symonds then holed out off Harris, the Queenslander miscuing an attempt to hit over the infield.

Lee fell victim to a sensational catch by AB de Villiers, diving headlong at the third slip to take it two-handed as the batsman attempted to guide the ball behind square.

But that brought Haddin and Krejza together, the wicketkeeper releasing the pressure by hitting Harris for two sixes in the next over and off-spinner Krezja offering valuable support at the other end.