Ntini keeps Aussies honest

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

The hosts overcame a terrible start to finish on 341 for nine at stumps, with Simon Katich (83), Michael Clarke (62) and Andrew Symonds (57) all passing their half-centuries.

But Australia will be disappointed with the way several batsmen threw their wickets away with Clarke, Symonds and Brad Haddin all giving up their wickets cheaply.

Australia would probably have been happy with the 300-plus score after crashing to 15 for three in the first six overs when Matthew Hayden fell for 12 and Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey both went for ducks.

In a sensational start to the match, Hayden had got off to a flyer, bludgeoning Ntini for two fours in the opening over. A third four, brilliantly punched down the ground, forced Ntini to alter his approach with immediate effect.

The fast bowler opted to go around the wicket and his shorter, angled delivery seamed away from the left-handed Hayden getting a thick edge that went straight to Proteas skipper Graeme Smith at first slip.

The very next ball Ntini struck again, claiming Ponting's scalp with a fuller delivery that took a thick edge to AB de Villiers at gully after the Australian skipper mis-timed his front-foot drive.

Katich and Clarke combined to save what had threatened to become a sinking ship with a fourth-wicket stand of 149 as they took the score from 74 for three at lunch to past the 150 mark.

Symonds and Haddin (46) looked set for the most explosive partnership of the day as the pair took to Harris and Jacques Kallis in the final session, taking singles at will, but - despite conceding 93 runs in 73 minutes - South Africa's aggressive field placements eventually paid dividends as they tempted both Symonds and Haddin into big shots over the infield.

Jason Krejza (19) and Peter Siddle (0) were unbeaten at the close of play.