Australia coach Mickey Arthur said the selectors were keen to replace Ricky Ponting with a batsman who could fill the role at number three, with Rob Quiney, Phil Hughes and Usman Khawaja all seen as in contention.

The Australian selectors have also called up pace trio Josh Hazlewood, John Hastings and Mitchell Johnson with fast bowler James Pattinson ruled out by a side strain for the rest of the home Test season.

Shane Watson may not play in the second Test against South Africa in Adelaide purely as a batsman as Cricket Australia want to use him as an all-rounder.

Key Australian allrounder Shane Watson has been ruled out of this week's first Brisbane Test against South Africa, with Rob Quiney called up as his replacement, Cricket Australia said on Monday.

After Dale Steyn's early blows Australia A were able to recover to a strong position by the end of the first day's play against South Africa in Sydney.