Shane Warne took five South African wickets in a session to give his side the edge in the second test and become Australia's second highest wicket-taker.

The leg-spinner removed the last five South African batsman before lunch as the tourists were dismissed for 287 in Sydney.

At close on the second day Australia were 174-3 in their first innings, 113 runs behind. The first test in Melbourne was drawn.

After bowling 22 overs without reward on the opening day, Warne returned on Saturday to hit top form.

His total of 294 wickets in 63 tests lifts him above former fast bowler Craig McDermott, with only legendary paceman Dennis Lillee -- who claimed 355 wickets in 70 tests -- ahead of him.

Warne's haul of 5-75 was also the 13th time he has claimed five wickets or more in a test innings.

He said: "I was disappointed by my performance on Friday.

"I thought the wicket played a bit quicker today and that helped me."

In reply Australia lost openers Matthew Elliott and captain Mark Taylor cheaply.

But once again the Waugh brothers proved hard to shift. Mark Waugh hit an unbeaten 78 off 135 balls -- his 31st test half century.

He dominated an unbeaten 71-run partnership with brother Steve, who finished the day on 18 not out in his 100 test.

Scorecard:

South Africa first innings

Extras (nb-1 lb-6) 7
Total (for three wickets, 67 overs) 174

Fall of wickets: 1-35, 2-59, 3-103.

Bowling: Donald 8-1-35-0, Pollock 14-5-24-1 (nb-1), Symcox 22-8-57-1, Adams 17-4-26-0, McMillan 6-2-26-1.
 

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