Australia reduce South Africa to 127-4 at lunch

CAPE TOWN, South Africa: Australia´s bowlers backed up the big total posted by their batsmen as they reduced South Africa to 127-4 at lunch Monday on the third day of the third test at Newlands.

Captain Michael Clarke declared Australia´s innings on its overnight total of 494-7 in expectation of some early assistance for the fast bowlers, and his decision was justified as the tourists ripped out South Africa´s top four in an extended first session.

With conventional swing on offer for the bowlers up front, Ryan Harris and James Pattinson made early inroads as they had Graeme Smith and Dean Elgar caught behind by wicketkeeper Brad Haddin.

South Africa opener Alviro Petersen showed signs of a return to form as he hit eight fours in his 53, before feathering a legside delivery from Mitchell Johnson through to Haddin.

However, the biggest blow for South Africa came in the dismissal of Hashim Amla, as Harris found reverse-swing to bowl the batsman for 38.

Harris continued to trouble AB de Villiers and Faf du Plessis with the lateral movement, but both batsmen survived to take South Africa to the break trailing by 367 runs. (AP)