Michael Hussey leads Oz charge

Mike Hussey ended a run of poor form to remain unbeaten on 83 and lead a late Australian onslaught in the first one-day international against South Africa at Kingsmead on Friday. Australian scored 286 for the loss of seven wickets in their 50 overs.

The left-hander’s 79-ball innings enabled Australia to recover from two chaotic run-outs which cost the wickets of two of the team’s top four batsmen. David Hussey and Brad Haddin were run out in the space of nine balls after mix-ups which saw the dismissed player stranded at the wrong end.

Australian captain Ricky Ponting won the toss and made first use of a good pitch.

Brief scores: Australia 286 /7 (B Haddin 53,M Hussey 83 n.o.; D Steyn 2/45,M Morkel 2/61)