PERTH: Led by swing bowler Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood Australia dismissed South Africa for 242 and took control of the first test by reaching 105 for no loss at stumps on Day 1 at the WACA on Thursday.
Starc set the tone when he removed opener Stephen Cook for a duck at the fourth ball of the day, thanks to a stunning catch at gully by Mitchell Marsh.
Hazlewood and Siddle soon joined the party and reduced the visitors to 32-4 when Temba Bavuma walked into the crease. He started the rebuilding process with captain Faf du Plesis and South Africa went on to lunch without any further damage.
Du Plessis edged one off Starc soon after lunch and the Proteas were left tottering at 81-5. Wicket-keeper batsman De kock joined Bavuma and the duo stitched together a stunning 71 run partnership to script a South African fight back.
Nathan Lyon got one to bounce from nowhere and Shaun Marsh took a stunning catch at forward short leg to remove Bavuma for 51. De Kock continued to bat positively and maintained a healthy flow of the innings.
He was finally dismissed of a Hazlewood slower one after scoring 84 off 101 balls with 11 boundaries and 1 six. The tail showed little resistance afterwards and South Africa were bowled out for 242.
Starc grabbed 4-71 and Josh Hazlewood returned with figures of 3-73.
In reply, Australia got to 105 for no loss with openers David Warner and Shaun Marsh unbeaten on 73 and 29 runs, respectively. Warner raced to his 50 off only 39 balls, punishing the South African new ball attack for a six and 10 boundaries.