ADELAIDE, Australia (Reuters)
After an even first day, Australia's championship-deciding series against South Africa is already shaping up as a heavyweight title fight, according to opener Justin Langer.

"We had a good start but they came back well and that's just what we expected," said Langer, who scored 116, his fourth century in five Tests. "I think it was really exciting the way today went and it augurs well for the rest of the series. It's going to be a really tough, uncompromising battle.

"It's a bit like the rumble in the jungle. We're both going to be trading punches and the team that can take the most punches will come out on top."

The South Africans took 5 for 66 to halt the Australian run-charge, but Langer said his team were satisfied with their first day score on a wicket that was already showing signs of crumbling.

"While it wasn't an ideal day it was a pretty good day for us," Langer said. "It was pretty hard to bat on and the wicket's only going to get harder. It's definitely going to spin and we've got the best legspinner in the world, so that's got to be to our advantage."

South Africa's left arm spinner Claude Henderson triggered the comeback, snaring Langer, Steve Waugh (8) and Adam Gilchrist (7) to finish the day with 3 for 56.

"I enjoyed the wicket, there's a bit of bounce which helps a lot for spinners," said Henderson, who had played just two Tests before this one and did not expect even to make the touring squad. "On day one in a Test match I wouldn't really expect to get that much turn out of the rough, but it was there and I enjoyed it."

Henderson said the South Africans were also satisfied with the close score, particularly after the Australians looked to be heading towards a bigger total.

"The guys kept it very tight, it was a very good comeback and we dried the runs up which helps a lot," he said. "They had a very good start. Australia's tail is very strong and Damien Martyn is a quality player so there's still a lot of hard work to do."

Langer became only the eighth Australian to reach a Test hundred with a six when he hit Henderson over the boundary, but he was disappointed not to go on and make much a bigger score.

"I rate that innings as one of my best ever. I was very nervous going into this Test because of all the hype and expectation about the series," said Langer. "I'm batting well at the moment but I can definitely improve. I think I'm due for a really big one and hopefully I can do that this series."

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