DURBAN, March 15: Ricky Ponting and Adam Gilchrist fell just short of scoring centuries but South Africa still enjoyed their most successful day against Australia this season on the first day of the third Test on Friday.

The home side dismissed Australia for 315 after winning the toss and electing to field, and were 48 for one when bad light ended play an over early.

Australia’s total was their lowest in six Tests against South Africa this season and it was the first time the visitors had been dismissed in less than three sessions. Australia have a 2-0 lead in the three-test series.

Gilchrist scored 91 off 107 balls with 14 fours while Ponting’s 89 came off 100 balls and included 16 fours.

South Africa started well when David Terbrugge, who last played a Test against the West Indies three years ago, pitched the first delivery of the second over outside Justin Langer’s off stump, and the left hander mistimed a pull shot to be caught at square leg by Kirsten for 11.

The home side wasted a chance to dismiss Matthew Hayden for 16 when Neil McKenzie at second slip dropped an edge off fast bowler Jacques Kallis.

McKenzie made amends in Kallis’ next over when he dived to his left to take a low catch and dismiss Hayden for 28.

Ponting and Mark Waugh batted solidly to take Australia to lunch on 114 for two. But 10 overs into the second session Waugh drove a delivery from Kallis into the covers and Ponting was run out by Herschelle Gibbs’ direct hit on the stumps.

Ponting, who scored 100 not out to guide Australia to victory in the second test on Tuesday, had driven and pulled aggressively throughout his 2-1/2 hours at the crease.

His dismissal ended a stand of 108, and four overs later Waugh edged a drive to a ball from Kallis and was caught by Graeme Smith for 45.

Captain Steve Waugh, on seven, edged a chinaman from left arm wrist spinner Paul Adams and was caught by wicketkeeper Mark Boucher. Terbrugge took his second wicket an over before tea when he bowled Damien Martyn for 11 with an inswinger.

Gilchrist and Shane Warne added 57 for the seventh wicket before Warne was caught behind off Makhaya Ntini for 26.

Gilchrist was the ninth man out when he heaved a ball from Adams to Smith at deep square leg.

South Africa lost their first wicket when Gary Kirsten gloved a leg side delivery from fast bowler Brett Lee to be caught behind by Gilchrist for 21.