Mitchell Starc leaves South Africa struggling at Lunch on Day One

Australia paceman Mitchell Starc claimed a brace in the first session of the third and final Test against South Africa at Perth, as the Proteas struggled to 63 for three at lunch.


Starc struck the woodwork of opener Alviro Petersen (30) and the talismanic Jacques Kallis (2), the latter in the last over before lunch, as the Australians made the Proteas rue their decision of batting first at the WACA.

All-rounder Shane Watson, who made a comeback into the Test squad following a calf injury, bowled a tidy spell of three overs and picked up the wicket of South Africa skipper Graeme Smith for 16.

Earlier, Smith won the toss and chose to bat first against Australia in the series-deciding third Test in Perth.

The visitors made three changes, bringing in Dean Elgar, Robin Peterson and Vernon Philander for Imran Tahir, Jacques Rudolph and Rory Kleinveldt.

Australia, meanwhile, completely overhauled their pace attack with the two Mitchells —  Starc and Johnson — being recalled along with Shane Watson. The Aussies also gave a debut to all-rounder John Hastings.

Brief Score: South Africa 63 for 3 (Alviro Petersen 30; Mitchell Starc 2 for 27, Shane Watson 1 for 7) vs Australia