Five-wicket Lee puts skids under South Africans

DURBAN, South Africa, Mar 26 (Reuters) Paceman Brett Lee took his 200th wicket to put Australia in control on the third day of the second test against South Africa today.

The home side lost their last five wickets for 12 runs in the space of 34 balls with Lee claiming the last four wickets to fall, dismissing Andre Nel and Makhaya Ntini with consecutive deliveries to end the innings at tea.

South Africa, who had started the day on 140 for two, were dismissed for 267 in reply to Australia's first innings total of 369. Lee, who went into the match with 197 test wickets, took five for 69.

Jacques Kallis scored a gritty 114, his 24th test century, to anchor South Africa, batting for 345 minutes.

Kallis was sixth out, caught and bowled by Stuart Clark, and then Lee began his assault four overs before tea by having Shaun Pollock caught behind by wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist for one.

Australia won the first match of the three-test series by seven wickets.

Reuters AY RN1905