South Africa rally but Australia in control

(CNN) -- South Africa fought back on day three of the first Test at the WACA, Perth, but are already 322 runs behind after Brad Haddin and Jason Krejza ensured the Australian tail wagged on Friday.

Australia bowled South Africa out for 281 early in the morning, in response to the hosts' first-innings total of 375, with Mitchell Johnson taking one more wicket to finish with superb figures eight for 61.

South Africa seemed determined to atone for their batting woes, reducing Australia to 162 for seven.

However, Haddin and Krejza hit back in an unbroken stand which took the total to 228 without further loss.

The day had begun with Dale Steyn being caught behind off Johnson -- who would have had a ninth wicket had Haddin clung on to a tough, swirling catch behind offered by Mark Boucher.

It was a miss which allowed Arthur Mailey's 87-year-old record of nine for 121 to stand as Australia's best-ever Test bowling figures.

When Australia batted again, Matthew Hayden was gone before lunch, unlucky to be given out caught and bowled by Steyn when replays confirmed the ball had hit only his pads.

Simon Katich, Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey then all failed to capitalize on making good starts -- and after tea Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds and Brett Lee all fell in quick succession.

Ponting had some excuses, battling on despite an abdominal strain before being deceived by some extra bounce from Proteas spinner Paul Harris.

Katich failed to move his feet effectively -- while both Clarke and Symonds, after carefully compiling a 60-run partnership, fell victim to some poor shot selections once again.

Both batsmen were guilty of giving away their wickets through rash shots in the first innings, but they held themselves in check for an hour -- before Clarke slashed at a wide Steyn delivery and was caught behind. Symonds then holed out off Harris, the Queenslander miscuing an attempt to hit over the infield.

Lee fell victim to a sensational catch by AB de Villiers, the third slip diving headlong to take it two-handed as Lee attempted to glide the ball through point.

But that just brought Haddin and Krejza together at the crease, with the wicketkeeper immediately releasing the pressure by belting Harris for two sixes in the next over and off-spinner Krejza giving him good support down the other end.