We can gain upper hand today: Michael Clarke

Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke was pleased with how his team recovered from a poor start to post 254 for five on day one of the first Test against South Africa in Johannesburg.

Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke was pleased with how his team recovered from a poor start to post 254 for five on day one of the first Test against South Africa in Johannesburg.

Ricky Ponting's side were in huge trouble early on after slipping to 38 for three this morning, before the skipper and his deputy put on 113 to bring the tourists back into the game.

Michael Clarke

But they both fell in quick succession Clarke for 68 and Ponting for 83 leaving their side reeling at 182 for five, before debutant Marcus North (47 not out) and wicketkeeper Brad Haddin (37 not out) made sure there was no further damage.

The vice-captain claims the pair showed incredible fight in their unbroken 72-run stand and is hoping the team can build on their position.

"I think (it was a good comeback)," he said. "It was obviously tough for the boys with the new ball. It swung the whole day with the conditions, but there was certainly a lot of seam there with the new ball.

"The honours are probably even after the first day. I think we can take some positives out of it. Obviously Northy on debut played really well, Brad Haddin looks fantastic at the moment and the way the skipper batted was brilliant today under pretty tough conditions really. So there are plenty of positives and if we can come out tomorrow morning and continue to play well, we'll be in a really good position."

South Africa v Australia, 1st Test, Day Two, Live on Ten sports 14:00 onwards