South Africa Bat Against Australia

Brisbane: South African captain Graeme Smith won the toss and chose to bat on the opening day of the first Test against Australia at the Gabba on Friday.

Australia left out pacer Mitchell Starc and chose to field off-spinner Nathan Lyon while the Proteas will give Rory Kleinveldt his Test debut in a four-strong pace attack on an expected lively wicket.

The Proteas, who became the world's top side after an impressive series victory in England earlier this year, are looking to repeat their historic series win in Australia four years ago against Michael Clarke's third-ranked side.

Australia can usurp South Africa and return to the top of the rankings with victory in the three-Test series, which also includes matches in Adelaide and Perth.

South Africa last played in 1963 in Brisbane where the Gabba pitch traditionally offers early life and bounce.

Teams:

Australia: Michael Clarke (capt), David Warner, Ed Cowan, Rob Quiney, Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey, Matthew Wade (wk), Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon, James Pattinson, Ben Hilfenhaus.

South Africa: Graeme Smith (capt), Alviro Petersen, Hashim Amla, Jacques Kallis, AB de Villiers (wk), Jacques Rudolph, JP Duminy, Vernon Philander, Morne Morkel, Dale Steyn, Rory Kleinveldt.

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