Proteas seamers on top early against Australia in Durban

Australia’s reshuffled batting line-up struggled against a disciplined South African seam attack on Day 1 of the ICC World Test Championship tussle in Durban.

Nic Maddinson was bowled by Marco Jansen, his dismissal leaving Australia reeling early after Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bat first.

The other opener, Travis Head, fell on a successful South African review, before Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne steadied the innings with a 60-run partnership.

Smith took the attack to spinner Keshav Maharaj with a pair of sixes, while Labuschagne accumulated 37 runs before he was trapped lbw by Wiaan Mulder on the final ball before lunch.

Smith fell shortly after play resumed, caught at gully off Jansen. Anrich Nortje, who was returning to Test cricket after three and a half years, broke through the lower middle order, removing Alex Carey (14) and Beau Webster (4) in the same over.

Matt Renshaw (46*) anchored Australia's fightback alongside skipper Cummins (33*), grinding through to the tea break to keep Australia's first-innings hopes alive.

However, bad light ended play prematurely with the two batters remaining unbeaten as South Africa dominated the opening day of the Durban Test.

South Africa and Australia are playing in the longest format for the first time since last year's World Test Championship Final at Lord's.

The reigning champions, South Africa are currently second in the WTC Standings while the visitors, Australia occupy the top spot.