Cricket: Australia on top at the Wanderers

Australian debutant Phil Hughes survived a tough final session to reach 36 not out at the end of day three against South Africa. Photo / AP

JOHANNESBURG - Bad light forced an early end to day three of the first test in Johannesburg with Australia 51-1 in their second innings, an overall lead of 297 against South Africa.

Debutant Phil Hughes somehow survived to reach 36 not out before the lightning and rain crashed down on Wanderers Stadium with 30.3 overs scheduled for the rest of the day's play.

Captain Ricky Ponting is on one after Simon Katich was caught behind for 10.

With 20,000 fans at the infamous Bull Ring screaming for his wicket, Hughes has endured some nervous moments, hitting seven boundaries and appearing to be lucky to be given not out from an appeal for caught-behind on 21.

The tiny left-hander was also given plenty of advice from pace bowler Morne Morkel, who peppered the 20-year-old NSW batsman with short balls.

Mitchell Johnson demolished South Africa's batting lineup for 220 in reply to Australia's 466.

Johnson, who has already posted his highest test score of 96 not out in this match, bowled tailender Makhaya Ntini for one after lunch to end South Africa's innings.

Left-armer Johnson's figures of 4-25 from 18.1 overs were remarkable and the West Australian received good support from Victorian quick Peter Siddle (3-76).

AB De Villiers was unbeaten on 104, his eighth hundred in his 50th test.

Ponting opted not to enforce the follow-on despite predictions of further rain interruptions in the match.

Resuming on 85-3 on Saturday, the Proteas lost Neil McKenzie for 36, lbw to Siddle, but only after McKenzie unsuccessfully challenged his dismissal.

Each team is allowed two unsuccessful challenges per innings to the third umpire under a Decision Review System being trialled by the ICC.

Johnson claimed the key wickets of Jean-Paul Duminy for 13 and Mark Boucher for a duck within four balls, both caught behind.

The feisty Boucher challenged the decision but after consulting third umpire Asad Rauf, umpire Billy Bowden again gave the batsman out.

To compound South Africa's misery before lunch, Paul Harris was lbw to off-spinner Marcus North although the ball appeared to strike the batsman's boot outside off stump.

North top-scored with 117 on debut in Australia's first innings.

- AAP