Captain Michael Clarke defied a rampant Dale Steyn with an authoritative century to keep Australia afloat on the opening day of the first Test against South Africa at Newlands Wednesday. Clarke reached the close, when bad light forced the players from the field with 23 overs still to be bowled, on 107 not out as Australia posted 214 for eight after being sent in to bat. Steyn, the No. 1 bowler on the International Cricket Council (ICC) rankings, had dominated the rest of the Australian batsmen as he took four for 31 in 14 overs, proving lethal on a pitch that offered little pace but plenty of movement. Vernon Philander claimed three for 54 to support Steyn. Clarke's positive batting had led Australia to 143 for four at tea but South Africa fought back in the final session as Steyn and Morne Morkel struck twice in the first six overs after the break. Morkel induced an inside edge from Mike Hussey (1), while Brad Haddin (5) played an ambitious drive against Steyn and was well caught by Ashwell Prince in the gully.
