Philander dismisses Australia for 85

Hobart: South Africa routed Australia for 85 and then weathered a batting crisis of their own before pushing to a lead of 86 runs after a bowler-dominated opening day of the second Test in Hobart on Saturday.

Temba Bavuma, unbeaten on 38, and wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock (28 not out) guided South Africa to 171-5 at stumps at Bellerive Oval, after pacer Mitchell Starc threatened to drag the hosts back into the game with a fiery spell after tea.

On a gloomy, overcast morning, Proteas captain Faf du Plessis won the toss and sent Australia in to bat on a green-tinged wicket moistened by drizzle.

The call was a masterstroke as his fired-up the bowler, led by a five-wicket haul from Vernon Philander, bowled Australia out in 32.5 overs, for their lowest total at home since a 76 against West Indies in Perth in 1984.

It was also the lowest total of any team at Bellerive Oval and well short of Australia's previous nadir against the Proteas, a 111 at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 1994.

Captain Steve Smith was the only Australian batsman to show defiance with an unbeaten 48, while debutant paceman Joe Mennie (10) was his only team mate to reach double figures.

In response, South Africa cruised to 43 without loss at tea before wobbling after the break, as left-armer Starc dismissed openers Stephen Cook (23) and Dean Elgar (17), and JP Duminy (1) for three runs in a devastating spell on a day when 15 wickets tumbled.