Melbourne: Siddle's knowledge of the surface helped gain him a start after the disappointing defeat in Perth, and he was responsible for driving Australia to a position of strength with 3 for 24 from 13 overs as they attempt to level the three-match contest. At stumps South Africa were in severe trouble at 7 for 198, still 196 behind Australia's first-innings 394, which grew in value with each wicket.

Dale Steyn, the form bowler of 2008, stormed to five wickets in the opening session, South Africa's top order was knocked over by Peter Siddle, a 24-year-old Victorian who is growing as a Test quick in front of his home crowd.

Steyn collected three breakthroughs before lunch to capture 5 for 87, but by the end of the day the 114 runs Michael Clarke marshalled from Australia's lower order in that session was the most important early development. From there they controlled the South Africans in a style that was familiar to the country's previous outfits. Once again it looks as if Graeme Smith's side is better as a chaser instead of a leader.

Smith followed his 108 in Perth with a committed 62 that held the top order together until he departed to a clever plan from Siddle. The dismissal switched South Africa to survival mode and JP Duminy was the only specialist left to deal with the problems. He reached a calm 34 at the close and should not expect much help from the remaining batsmen.

Peter share new ball with Brett Lee and pick up wicket in very first over for Neil McKenzie without open his account. In his second spell Siddle was trying to force Smith, who was starting to appear affected by his nagging elbow injury, to hit down the ground instead of square on the offside and between midwicket and square-leg. When Smith had grown comfortable with the straighter line Siddle delivered a wider ball and the captain reached for it, but could only edge it to Brad Haddin. It may be the most important dismissal of the game as Smith was the best of the visiting batsmen.

South Africa had let Australia off in the morning when Clarke's 88 boosted the Australian total significantly. While Steyn was hurting the bowlers, Clarke was providing discomfort for the visitors, who will look back at his innings as the first major turning point.

Reports by session
1st Session: Runs 114, Wkt 4, Ovr 23.4
2nd Session: Runs 102, Wkt 3, Ovr 26.4
3rd Session: Runs 96, Wkt 4, Ovr 36.2

Brief Score: South Africa 7 for 198 (Smith 62, Siddle 3-24) trail Australia 394 (Ponting 101, Clarke 88*, Katich 54, Steyn 5-87) by 196 runs.
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