Hayden let off proves
costly for South Africa

Opener Matthew Hayden hit an unbeaten 122 as Australia reached a commanding 331 for 5 at close on the first day of the first Test against South Africa on Friday.

The left-hander, dropped before he had scored by Jacques Kallis in the second over, reached his century off 149 balls in just under four hours with 14 fours and two sixes.

When stumps were drawn at close of the day's play, Adam Gilchrist was batting on 21 and Damien Martyn on 21.

Just one wicket fell to the South Africa attack during the afternoon session, Mark Waugh caught behind off the pace of Makhaya Ntini for 53.

In partnership with Hayden, he had added 111 for the third wicket before his dismissal three overs before tea.

The pair reached their 100 partnership in 144 balls, and Waugh raced to his fifty off 77 balls, including eight fours.

South Africa's position was further weakened when Gary Kirsten had to leave the field after lunch with a small laceration under his right eye.

He was hit in the face while fielding at silly mid-on after Waugh tried to hook a delivery from Andre Nel.

ERRATIC BOWLING

Earlier, Australia captain Steve Waugh won the toss and opted to bat first, and Hayden and Justin Langer put on a brisk 46 for the opening wicket as they cashed in on some erratic bowling and a flat Wanderers pitch.

Both batsmen took a clutch of early boundaries off the pace attack of Ntini and Alan Donald, and the visitors were also given a reprieve in the second over.

Hayden was dropped on nought at second slip by the normally reliable Kallis, who failed to get hold of a head-high catch off the bowling of Ntini.

Donald took the brunt of the punishment as he struggled to find his length in overcast conditions. The veteran fast bowler was hit for five boundaries by Langer before he made the breakthrough in the 11th over.

Langer was trapped by Donald leg before wicket for 28, having six fours in only 31 balls.

Ricky Ponting, Australia's new one-day captain, fell shortly before lunch for 39, although his dismissal was a controversial one.

The Tasmanian was adjudged to have edged an Andre Nel delivery behind to wicketkeeper Mark Boucher, but later television replays indicated that no contact was made.

Steve Waugh was the last batsman out, caught by Gibbs off Kallis for 32

Mail Cricket Editor