Australia A blunt SA quicks on Day 1

Sydney: Two century partnerships helped stymie South Africa's pace attack as Australia A reached 325 for 7 on Friday's opening day of a three-day tour match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Led by the world's No.1 fast bowler, Dale Steyn, the Proteas started strongly, reducing the home side to 44 for 3 midway through the first session.

But a 122-run stand between opener Rob Quiney (85) and Steve Smith (67) brought the home side back into the contest before both were dismissed in quick succession. That sparked another mini-collapse as Australia A slumped to 185 for 6 before another strong partnership of 133 between Glenn Maxwell (64) and Alex Doolan (76 not out) saw the hosts through until late in the day.

Steyn was the best of the South African bowlers, finishing with 3 for 43, while fringe Test bowler Rory Kleinveldt had 2 for 45. It was a tough day for third paceman Vernon Philander, the No.2-ranked bowler in Test cricket, who finished with 0 for 76.

Two century partnerships took Australia A to 325 for 7 on the opening day of the warm-up match at SCG.

Jacques Kallis, recovering from a chest infection, and Morne Morkel did not start the match from an otherwise full-strength South African team, which is playing its only warm-up game before the first Test at the Gabba in Brisbane starting November 9.

Kallis came on as a replacement fielder late in the day.

Brief Scores: Australia A 325 for 7 (Rob Quiney 85, Alex Doolan 76 not out; Dale Steyn 3 for 43, Rory Kleinveldt 2 for 45).

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