Prince
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters):
ASHWELL PRINCE led South Africa's recovery with an unbeaten 79 after wickets tumbled on the first day of the third Test against Australia yesterday.
South Africa, who elected to bat, were on 238 for six when bad light ended play 11 overs early.
The patient Prince batted for 182 minutes, faced 128 balls and hit 10 fours.
Prince shared partnerships of 55 for the fifth wicket with Jacques Rudolph and 72 for the sixth wicket with Mark Boucher.
"We knew the wicket was going to do a bit, there was quite a bit of grass there," stand-in South African captain Jacques Kallis told a news conference.
"I think the wicket will do a bit throughout the game... so if we can get to close to 350 or 400 that would be ideal for us."
Fast bowler Stuart Clark led Australia's disciplined attack with his figures of two for 61 from 20 overs. Australia lead the three-match series 2-0.
Prince and Jacques Rudolph turned the tide in South Africa's favour with their positive approach.
Rudolph was eventually dismissed for 25 after edging a delivery from leg-spinner Shane Warne to first slip. Matthew Hayden dived forward to claim the catch and Rudolph walked while umpires Steve Bucknor and Tony Hill conferred.
Television replays suggested the ball bounced just before Hayden closed his hand around it.
South Africa lost their last wicket of the day 10 balls before the close when Mark Boucher was trapped for 24 by medium pacer Andrew Symonds.
"We would have been happy with 240 for five, losing that last wicket was crucial," Kallis said.
He was captaining South Africa in the absence of Smith, who withdrew from the match with a finger injury. Dippenaar replaced Smith in the team.
Justin Langer, who is playing his 100th Test, led the Australian team on to the field.
