Johnson ends seven up

Australia 375 South Africa 243-8

A seven-wicket haul from Australia left-armer Mitchell Johnson turned the second day of the first Test against South Africa on its head in an incredible final session here.

The tourists were cruising after tea on 234 for 3 in response to Australia's 375, with half-centurions Jacques Kallis and AB de Villiers looking in control. But the loss of De Villiers, caught behind by Brad Haddin off Johnson for 63 set in motion a remarkable train of events with Johnson claiming 5 for 2 in 21 balls, as the Proteas were reduced to 243 for 8.

Kallis followed in Johnson's next over before JP Duminy also departed, caught by Haddin. Morne Morkel made one before becoming the next of Johnson's victims in the penultimate over of the day, with the paceman also claiming Paul Harris for good measure, both batsmen being caught in close through sharp catches by Jason Krejza.

Johnson finished the day with 7 for 42, his second five-wicket haul in a month after taking 5 for 38 against New Zealand in Brisbane.

After Proteas' opener Neil McKenzie became Johnson's first scalp with a dreadful shot that he skied directly to Krejza, South Africa captain Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla added 90 before Krejza produced a stunning ball to remove Amla and Johnson earned a nick from Smith that was edged onto the stumps half an hour before tea.