McKenzie falls early for Proteas

Coming in at 341 for nine in perfect conditions at the WACA, Australian tailenders Jason Krejza and Peter Siddle, both in just their second Tests, posted a composed 34 for the last wicket, frustrating South Africa's highly-rated pace attack.

In reply, South Africa was reduced to 27 for one at lunch with Graeme Smith (12) and Hashim Amla (6) the not-out batsmen.

With Krejza (30 not out) leading the way, however, the final Australian pair looked particularly comfortable against Dale Steyn and Morne Morkel before Siddle (23) attempted one straight drive too many, catching an inside edge off Makhaya Ntini that flew directly to Mark Boucher.

The wicket was Ntini's fourth for the innings at the expense of 72 runs, seeing the 31-year-old draw level with Pakistan great Waqar Younis on the list of all-time wicket takers with 373 Test scalps.

But it was another disappointing morning for the highly-rated Steyn, who could not add to his two wickets for the innings, leaving him looking frustrated once again as he lost his line and didn't threaten the batsmen whatsoever.

Morkel, though, once again probed at the batsman from the Lillee-Marsh end with his accurate line but couldn't manage to add to his two wickets before being replaced by Ntini, who finished off the Australians as they threatened to make 400.

The South African innings started slowly as Brett Lee pinned openers Smith and McKenzie back through his pace, although the lack of grass on the wicket meant there was little movement off the deck.

Mitchell Johnson started poorly though, conceding two wides in his first two overs as he struggled for an accurate line.

But Johnson's inaccuracy ultimately paid dividends as McKenzie went out to one of the weirdest shots seen at this venue.