Proteas edge Aussies on opening day

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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 made his first Test half-century at the Sydney venue, 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 two for 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 (zero) during a tense first session.

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

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 the 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.