Siddle does the star turn for Aussies

A maiden five-wicket haul for paceman Peter Siddle saw Australia finish day three of the third Test on top despite the best efforts of Mark Boucher, who rescued South Africa's innings with a well-made 89.

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Siddle, who finished with impressive figures of five for 59, took just 22 deliveries to capture the final four wickets and restrict the Proteas to 327.

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Boucher arrived at the crease with the Proteas in trouble at 166 for four, but put his head down to grind out a patient 265 minute-innings before Siddle sent his stumps sprawling to secure his first Test five-for.

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The veteran Proteas gloveman shared in a 115-run partnership with Morne Morkel (40) to frustrate the home side before the Victorian changed the course of the match with his inspired spell.

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Having captured Morkel, Siddle then removed Paul Harris (two) and Dale Steyn (six) in quick succession before capturing the free-swinging Boucher.

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Australia openers Matthew Hayden (18) and Simon Katich (9) survived a nervous six-over period before stumps to progress to 33 without loss - a lead of 151.

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JP Duminy (11) was the only batsman out in the afternoon session, given out lbw after playing back and being caught on the crease by Mitchell Johnson.

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While Morkel rode his luck - playing and missing at a number of deliveries - Boucher also enjoyed some good fortune.

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On 27 he played a ball from Nathan Hauritz onto his stumps only for the bails to stay rigid in their grooves.

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Debutant paceman Doug Bollinger bowled without luck in search of his first Test wicket, having strong lbw appeals against Duminy and Morkel turned down by umpire Billy Bowden.

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Before lunch Mitchell Johnson struck with the ball and in the field to leave South Africa in trouble.

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Johnson shifted dangerman Jacques Kallis (37), caught at first slip by Hayden, then ran out AB de Villiers (11) with a brilliant piece of fielding.

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Debutant Andrew McDonald chipped in with his first Test wicket - removing Hashim Amla (51) lbw - as the Proteas' strong overnight position of 125 for one quickly eroded.

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The first session yielded just 51 runs for the loss of three wickets.

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Kallis added one to his overnight tally before driving at Johnson and edging a comfortable catch to Hayden.

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Amla passed the half-century mark but was then involved in an unnecessary run out with De Villiers.

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Pushing a quick single to Johnson at mid on, Amla called for a run but watched in horror as De Villiers moved slowly out of his crease and was beaten by a direct hit at the wicket-keeper's end.

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McDonald, who had done an excellent job strangling the South African top order, then trapped Amla with one that nipped back to leave the Proteas in a deep hole at for four before Boucher and Morkel combined.

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South Africa skipper Graeme Smith, whose side have already won the series 2-0, is unlikely to play any further part in the match after suffering a hand injury on day two.

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