Siddle puts Australia in command

The Proteas - who will resume on Sunday on 198 for seven, still trailing by 196 - will be forced to spend the hours leading into day three fending away demons many thought they had exorcised a week ago.

In contrast, the Australians will be buoyed after an excellent day in which their tail, led by an unbeaten 88 from Michael Clarke, again wagged to allow the home side to reach 394, and their bowlers turned in their best showing for many months.

After a torrid week in which Australia's attack was pilloried for lacking venom, Ricky Ponting's bowlers, with the exception of Brett Lee, gave their critics a liberal serving of humble pie.

Leading the charge was not Lee, who regained his express pace but still fired blanks, but a pair of third-gamers in Siddle and Hauritz.

Hauritz claimed two for 49, including the prized scalps of Jacques Kallis and Mark Boucher, while Siddle removed the hapless Neil McKenzie and Perth centurions Graeme Smith (62) and AB de Villiers in two high-class spells of pace bowling.

Siddle, who many considered lucky to keep his place in the side after lean pickings in Perth, bowled with fire and, more importantly, control, finishing the day with figures of three for 24.

Earlier in the day, Dale Steyn grabbed 5-94 to be the only positive on a dismal day for the tourists.