Johannesburg, April 1:

Fast bowler Makhaya Ntini took five wickets and put opening batsman Justin Langer in hospital as South Africa took a slight advantage on the second day of the third and final Test against Australia at the Wanderers Stadium here on Saturday.

Australia were 246 for seven when bad light ended play, still 57 runs behind South Africa’s first innings total of 303. Ntini took five wickets for 80. Australia were in deep trouble at 106 for five, but Michael Hussey made 73 and shared two stands of 68, with Shane Warne (36) and Brett Lee (42 not out), before being dismissed by left-arm spinner Nicky Boje shortly before play was called off for the day.

Australia’s troubles started with the first ball of their innings when Langer ducked into a bouncer and suffered a blow on the right earpiece. He was forced to retire hurt and taken to hospital for a scan.

In his second over, Ntini had Matthew Hayden caught at gully. There was a frenetic stand between captain Ricky Ponting and Damien Martyn but it was broken by Ntini when Martyn mistimed a pull and was caught at mid-on. Ntini also dismissed Ponting and Andrew Symonds.

Adam Gilchrist top-edged a pull against Andre Nel and was caught at deep midwicket. Warne helped Hussey (73) stabilise the innings before becoming Ntini’s fifth victim.

South Africa added 65 for the loss of their remaining four wickets on Saturday. Australia took the second new ball seven balls into the day and almost immediately claimed the wicket of Shaun Pollock.