March 9, 2002	Saturday	Zilhaj 24, 1422

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CAPE TOWN, March 8: A battling debut half century from South Africa’s Andrew Hall took the gloss off another powerful Australian performance on the first day of the second Test Friday.

The all-rounder, coming in at number eight, top-scored with 70 as the hosts were dismissed for 239 after winning the toss, although that represented something of a recovery after they had slumped to 25 for three and 147 for seven.

By the close of play, Australia, 1-0 up in the series after their crushing victory in the first Test, had raced confidently to 46 without loss, Justin Langer unbeaten on 28 and Matthew Hayden 17.

Hall shared an eighth- wicket partnership of 69 with spinner Paul Adams, who made 35, as South Africa escaped serious embarrassment.

Hall was eventually ninth out after spending a little over three hours at the crease, facing 141 deliveries and striking 10 fours before edging Jason Gillespie to wicket-keeper Adam Gilchrist.

Warne, playing in his 100th Tests, picked up his second wicket and the last of the innings when Makhaya Ntini edged to Mark Waugh at first slip.

Earlier, the first hour of the morning was a familiar clatter of wickets as South Africa collapsed to 25 for three.

Herschelle Gibbs edging Gillespie to Mark Waugh at second slip for 12 after making a confident start.

Graeme Smith got off the mark on his debut with a single through the leg side from his first ball but the 20-year-old left-hander then pushed firmly at a Glenn McGrath delivery angled across him for Ricky Ponting to take a good low catch at third slip.

Steve Waugh’s decision to turn to Brett Lee after just eight overs brought an immediate reward with the wicket of Gary Kirsten.

Warne then dismissed Neil McKenzie shortly before lunch. McKenzie (20) played inside the line of a straight delivery and was clean bowled.

McGrath took his wicket tally to three with two quick strikes after the interval. Jacques Kallis had yet to add to his lunch score of 23 when he edged a superb rising delivery to Gilchrist.

Ashwell Prince (10) then fell to the same combination.

Mark Boucher (26) and Hall added 55 for the seventh wicket, before the South African captain chased a full delivery from Lee and Gilchrist again dived full length to pouch a breath-taking catch.