Bangladesh regain lost ground

Shahadat Hossain and Mohammad Rafique took two wickets apiece as South Africa made a stuttering start to their reply on the opening day of the first Test against Bangladesh.

Having skittled the hosts out for 192 shortly after tea, the Proteas failed to make the most of their position as they struggled to 76 for four at stumps.

Hossain struck after just four overs to claim the scalp of captain Graeme Smith (10), who hit a thick inside edge onto his stumps.

And Neil McKenzie (5) followed 10 balls later also to Hossain. The opener tried to defend his stumps but was struck on the pads between middle and leg.

Hashim Amla steadied the ship slightly with a knock of 25 from 33 balls, but was then trapped leg before wicket by a deceptive delivery from Rafique.

And Rafique was also responsible for the removal of Jacques Kallis, who could only watch on as the ball crashed into the base of his off stump while on 17.

Ashwell Prince (nine not out) and Johan Botha (5no) are the men charged with the task of rescuing South Africa's innings when the second day's play gets under way.

Earlier in the day, Morne Morkel claimed five wickets as South Africa looked to take a stranglehold on the match.

Morkel took the scalps of Shahriar Nafees, Habibul Bashar, Shakib Al Hasan, Rafique and Mushfiqur Rahim to help restrict the hosts to a modest total.

Aftab Ahmed scored 44 with captain Mohammad Ashraful adding 34 but they were the highlights of what was a largely disappointing innings for Bangladesh.