Siddle reduces Proteas to 198/7

Peter Siddle took three for 24 as Australia had South Africa on the mat after Day Two of the second Test here at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Siddle claimed Neil Mckenzie, the dangerous Graeme Smith, who made 62, and AB de Villiers.

At stumps, the visitors were reeling at 198 for seven, still 196 runs in arrears, with their last recognised batsman, Jean-Paul Duminy 34, holding the fort with tailender Paul Harris.

Earlier, Michael Clarke played a crucial unbeaten knock of 88 as Australia, resuming at a precarious 280 for six, went on to post a healthy 394.

Brief scores: Australia 394 R Ponting 101, M Clarke 88, D Steyn 5/87; South Africa 198 for 7 G Smith 62, P Siddle 3/24