South Africa ahead in Sydney

Morne Morkel's pace caused the batsmen lots of problems on the first day at the SCG

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South Africa took the opening honours in the third Test, leaving Australia on 267 for six following an absorbing first day's play at the SCG.

The hosts will resume day two with Michael Clarke (73) and the clean-hitting Mitchell Johnson (17) continuing the challenge of pushing their side past 300.

Only Clarke, who scored a Test half-century for the first time on this ground, offered any real resistance as four batsmen perished after reaching 30 on a pitch containing no obvious venom.

The Australia vice-captain, who was dropped on 12 and 69, has been at the crease for 235 minutes, stroking nine fours in a patient knock.

Clarke and Brad Haddin (38) put on 75 for the sixth wicket and looked to have done enough to ensure Australia would end the opening day in reasonable shape.

But the introduction of the second new ball brought about the downfall of Haddin, who played around a Dale Steyn delivery to be bowled minutes before stumps.

Steyn was the pick of the Proteas' bowlers, finishing with 2-71 from 21 overs.

Australia won the toss and elected to bat first under overcast skies before a healthy crowd of 37,901, but the home side lost Simon Katich (47) and Ricky Ponting during a tense first session.

Katich looked in good touch in racing to 47 from 52 balls before pushing forward at Jacques Kallis and edging a catch to AB de Villiers at second slip.

Michael Clarke was the only batsman to pass 50, making 73

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One run later Ponting was on his way for a first-ball duck. Morne Morkel got a ball to seam back, catching the inside edge of the Australia skipper's bat and presenting wicketkeeper Mark Boucher with a catch.

Matthew Hayden, fighting to save his Test career, made his way cautiously to 31 before chasing a wide delivery from Steyn and dragging the ball onto his stumps.

The Queenslander cut a dejected figure as his made his way off the ground, the big first-day crowd giving him a rousing send-off in the knowledge this may be his last match at international level.

Hayden's dismissal left Australia shaky at 109 for three. With the score on 130, Michael Hussey - who had fought hard to get to 30 - edged Paul Harris to Kallis at slip and was on his way back to the pavilion.

Harris celebrated the wicket wildly but appeared to twist a knee after leaping through the air in delight.

While he was off the field receiving attention, Andrew McDonald arrived at the crease for his debut innings and was immediately struck on the body by a 142kmh thunderbolt from Morkel.

He was lucky to survive beyond five after his helmet was dislodged and almost crashed back on his stumps while attempting to dodge a Morkel bouncer.

McDonald moved to 15 before he was caught behind off Makhaya Ntini. Haddin was last man out for the day.

Australia, who are 2-0 down in the three-Test series after defeats in Perth and Melbourne, are looking to avoid their first home series whitewash loss in 122 years.