Third Test Match
Sydney
Australia 445 (M J Clarke 138, M G Johnson 64) & 33-0 v South Africa 327 (M V Boucher 89, H M Amla 51, P M Siddle 5-59)

Australia bossed the third day's play in the final Test to claim a 151-run lead with all second innings wickets intact against South Africa.

Seamer Peter Siddle bagged five for 59 including four wickets in 22 balls after tea to have the Proteas all out for 327, with injured opener Graeme Smith unable to return to the crease, before the Aussies reached 33-0 at stumps.

Replying to Australia's 445, the tourists were toiling at 195 for five before a partnership of 115 between Mark Boucher and Morne Morkel gave South Africa some respectability.

But Siddle skittled both and also removed Dale Steyn and Paul Harris cheaply to give the Aussies the upper hand as they bid to start 2009 on the right note.

Resuming on 125 for one the tourists were effectively five down before lunch with Smith out with a broken hand.