Australia reach 194-5 at tea

Australia recovered some composure in the second session on the first day of the first test against South Africa on Thursday, improving to 194 for five after coming under severe pressure at the start.

Captain Ricky Ponting opted to bat first and led the Australian revival, adding 113 at more than four runs per over with vice-captain Michael Clarke (68) for the fourth wicket.

Ponting was lucky to survive when he was dropped on 40 by Proteas captain Graeme Smith shortly before lunch and was eventually out to a peach of a ball from Makhaya Ntini on 83, with the score on 151.

He did not offer a shot to the swinging delivery which cut back off the pitch and brushed his pads before crashing into the stumps.

Unfortunately for the touring side, Clarke was out to an extravagant drive off Dale Steyn moments before tea. Clarke’s departure, caught behind after hitting 10 fours, took some of the shine off a decent showing in the second session of the day.

Ponting hit 11 fours and a six, and although his strokeplay was up to his high standard, the South Africa attack often managed to put him and Clarke under pressure.

JOHANNESBURG, AP