South Africa on top, pushing for series-clinching win vs Australia

Hobart, Nov 12 (CRICKETNMORE) South Africa reached 171/5 at stumps on the opening day of the second cricket Test, to take an 86-run lead in the first innings after Australia were skittled out for a paltry 85 at the Bellerive

Hobart, November 12 (CRICKETNMORE) South Africa reached 171/5 at stumps on the opening day of the second cricket Test, to take an 86-run lead in the first innings after Australia were skittled out for a paltry 85 at the Bellerive Oval here on Saturday.

Temba Bavuma (38) and Quinton de Kock (28) were at the crease when umpires dislodged the bails for the day.

After a poor start to the second match, pacer Mitchell Starc applied some brakes on the Proteas as he scalped three wickets while Josh Hazlewood ably supported him by taking two wickets.

Electing to field, South Africa made full use of the overcast conditions with pacer Vernon Philander grabbing a fifer to pack back the Kangaroos in just 32.5 overs.

For Australia, captain Steven Smith (48)and Joe Mennie (10) were the only batsmen to cross the double digit mark.

Philander's efforts of five wickets for 21 runs was well supported by Kyle Abbott, who chipped in with three wickets.

Brief score:

South Africa: 171/5 (Amla 47, Starc 3/49) lead Australia 85 (Smith 48 not out, Philander 5/21, Abbott 3/41) by 86 runs.