The series was built as the battle between the two best fast bowling attacks in the world. But Australian batsmen Shaun Marsh and Steve Smith shared the plaudits on day one in Centurion. 

Australia were sent in to bat on the first day of the series as Graeme Smith won the toss and elected to field on a glorious day. South Africa immediately reaped the rewards of the decision as Steyn induced costless hitting opener David Warner into a false cut shot which saw Warner chop on. 

Morne Morkel soon accounted for fellow opener Chris Rogers as Rogers failed to fend off a steepening short ball from Morkel, JP Duminy pulled off a wonderful full length one handed diving catch at short leg. Alex Doolan and Shaun Marsh kept the scoreboard ticking over with a partnership of 48 before Doolan fell to McLaren. 

Australian captain Michael Clarke and Shaun Marsh batted comfortably either side of lunch before Clarke was tempted into a pull stroke off Dale Steyn and held out at fine leg to Philander. A tactic which has worked for bowlers in the past against Clarke who finds it difficult to duck under the short ball due to a chronic back injury that he’s had his entire career. 

Shaun Marsh and Steve Smith made South Africa work hard in the soaring heat during the afternoon and evening sessions. Marsh, driving impeccably through the off side and playing the ball confidently off his legs when the South African bowlers wavered in line. Marsh finally found a willing partner in Smith who quietly went about his business. 

Marsh brought up his second test match hundred, although he was still feeling the effects of the leg injury that had him withdraw from the original touring party earlier on this month. Marsh made his return during the Big Bash final last week scoring 63 not out to lead Perth Scorchers to the title. Once Watson was ruled out of the first test due to a niggling calf injury, Marsh was immediately called up to join the test squad. 

Once Smith had inserted the Australians people were speculating that 300 would be a decent first innings total due to the assistance expected in the pitch and the history of fast bowlers dominating in Centurion. Australia have neigh on amassed that with six wickets in hand, due in no small part to an unbeaten partnership of 199 between Shaun Marsh and Steve Smith who led the fightback on day one after Australia were reduced to 98-4 midway through the afternoon session.