Perth: The Australian middle-order fought back on the opening day of the first Test against South Africa to take the home side to 341-9 at stumps on the first day in Perth.

Michael Clarke 62 (141b, 7x4), Andrew Symonds 57 (68b, 6x4) and Brad Haddin 46 (68b, 4x4) took rearguard action after the Proteas had restricted Australia to 15-3 within the first hour of play.

After Ricky Ponting chose to bat at the WACA, the Aussies were off to a disastrous start with Makhaya Ntini removing Matthew Hayden (12) and Ricky Ponting (zero) off consecutive deliveries in the third over. Aussies slumped further when Michael Hussey fell to Dale Steyn without scoring.

Katich 83 (151b, 7x4, 1x6), who top scored for the Aussies, continued his good run from the Test series against India, plundering seven boundaries and one six in his 151-ball knock before Morne Morkel trapped hm leg-before. He added 149-runs for forth wickets with vice captain Michael Clarke. Both batsmen out with two runs. Haddin and Symonds added 93 runs for sixth wickets.

Brief Score: Australia - 341/9 (Katich 92, Clarke 62, Ntini 3/66) vs South Africa
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