Sydney, January 5:

Peter Siddle picked up his first five-wicket Test haul as Australia seized a notable advantage on the third day of the final Test against South Africa today.

Resuming on 125-1, and with Graeme Smith out with a broken hand, South Africa were dismissed for 327. Australia then reached 33-0 for a lead of 151, Matthew Hayden surviving a very close leg before wicket appeal.

South Africa’s score owed much to a 115-run stand between Mark Boucher (89) and Morne Morkel (40). Their sixth-wicket stand either side of tea was the only high point. With Brett Lee and Stuart Clark both out injured, Ricky Ponting was relying on a bowling group that boasted Mitchell Johnson (17 Tests) as their most experienced member.

The first session was a good one for the hosts. South Africa lost three wickets and were unable to score with much freedom. Hashim Amla brought up his half-century from 125 balls, having lost overnight partner Jacques Kallis.

The next wicket was highly avoidable, AB de Villiers (11) run out by a direct hit from Johnson. Johnson chipped in again after lunch when he jagged one back off a crack to trap JP Duminy (13) leg before.

And so, with scoreboard at 193-5, Boucher and Morkel began their recovery mission. Boucher struck three fours from Andrew McDonald to move past 50, although he missed the chance for a sixth Test hundred.

Morkel defended with a straight bat and attacked with pulls and cuts but both he and Boucher had their moments of fortune. Doug Bollinger had a couple of close LBW shouts turned down. He was unable to break through for a maiden Test wicket.