Australia's cricketers have demanded extra security from loutish South African fans after Steve Waugh, Adam Gilchrist and Damien Martyn were spat on and sprayed with beer during the opening day of the Test series in Johannesburg.

Three men were last night arrested over the incidents and charged with crimen injuria, a low-level harassment charge, after the Australian team again found trouble at the Wanderers.

Waugh, Gilchrist and Martyn were harassed in the notorious 35-metre players race, which is lined with spectators watching the players walk on and off the field.

Former fast bowler Merv Hughes clashed angrily with a South African spectator in the race eight years ago, prompting officials to cage the area.

But the Australians now want spectators kept away from the race for good after the latest incidents soured an entertaining start to the Test series.

"It's very disappointing. We come here to play cricket and not to be physically harmed by the spectators," batsman Matthew Hayden said.

Australian team manager Steve Bernard urged security officials to act after Waugh was spat on while he returned to the dressing rooms after his innings of 32.

A man in his early 20s was arrested and charged.

"Steve knows it's tough over here and you expect some abuse but you shouldn't have to put up with spitting. We were obliged to follow it through," Bernard said.

"We have asked them to provide extra cover and the security men will walk up and down the race with the players.

"They have taken swift and proper action and done as much as they can do.

"The ground manager has said there's not much they can do this time but when you come back next time the area will be completely enclosed."

Martyn and Gilchrist were targeted as they left the field at stumps, batting together for almost one hour to complete an excellent first day of cricket for Australia.

The Australian players had already talked about the likely flak from spectators during the series but they didn't expect to be targeted in this manner.

"According to Marto a couple of cupfuls of drink were poured over him," Bernard said.

"The two guys who did that have been arrested and have been sent to jail, where they will spend the weekend."

United Cricket Board (UCB) chief executive Gerald Majola apologised to the Australians as South African officials urged some fans to clean up their behaviour before the republic hosts the World Cup in 12 months.

"The UCB makes a very strong appeal to South African spectators to respect the opposition and allow the games to be played in the correct spirit, especially in the run-up to the World Cup," a UCB spokesperson said.

© 2002 AAP