Hashim Amla, South Africa dominate Aussies on opening day

Earlier, Petersen also had a let off, getting the benefit of the doubt when Australia referred a not out decision to the TV umpire for an lbw appeal by Ben Hilfenhaus. The ball pitched just outside the line and appeared to hit in front, on Petersen's front toe, when he was on 51.

Petersen hit two more boundaries before mistiming a Lyon delivery to Mike Hussey at mid-on, leaving South Africa at 119-2.

Skipper Smith didn't get any second chances after winning the toss and batting, becoming the first South Africa batsman dismissed in a test at the Gabba ground in 49 years when he was trapped lbw by James Pattinson in the 11th over.

He was initially adjudged not out by umpire Billy Bowden despite being hit on the back pad, directly in front of the stumps, but the decision was overruled on review.

Showers or storms were forecast for today and tomorrow, but there was no rain during the first 82 overs despite the gloomy conditions which finally caused an early end to play. South Africa, playing its first test at the Gabba since 1963, went in with five pace options after selecting seamer Rory Kleinveldt to make his debut at the expense of legspinner Imran Tahir.

Kleinveldt will supplement the world-class pace trio of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel, and veteran allrounder Kallis.

Petersen survived a strong appeal and a review by the TV umpire on an lbw decision on 51, then mis-timed an attempted shot through mid-wicket off Nathan Lyon and was caught by Mike Hussey for 64.

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