South Africa, already without Shaun Pollock and Justin Ontong because of injury, saw their problems deepen as Allan Donald hobbled off the field, possibly for the final time, and Gary Kirsten went to hospital for treatment after being struck while fielding. Donald collapsed in a heap after a delivery to Adam Gilchrist near the end of the day and had to be helped from the field in tears as he clutched his leg.

"Allan has strained his right hamstring," explained South African team physiotherapist Craig Smith. "It's difficult to assess the damage at this stage. He'll undergo an ultrasound - but you could probably assume from the way he went down that he probably won't play again in this Test."

Donald had already announced that this would be his last Test series, but he looks likely to end his Test career on the treatment table, a place he has spent much of the last two years. "He's upset," said Smith. "He's been plagued by injury the last year or so,but perhaps there's a need to now acknowledge that he's been a superstar in South African cricket and put his body on the line so many times. He's often played through pain, and it's heart-wrenching to see him tumble to the ground in the way he did."

Kirsten was hit in the face by a Mark Waugh pull shot and needed treatment in hospital to a cut under his right eye. He is expected to be able to resume fielding on the second day.

A good first day for Australia was marred when Steve Waugh was spat at by a spectator and two other players had beer thrown at them.

The Australian management have urged the local police to charge the spectator who was arrested when he confronted Waugh as he left the field following his dismissal. Two other spectators were arrested at the close of play for throwing beer at Gilchrist and Damien Martyn.

The United Cricket Board immediately agreed to a request by the Australians that security be increased for the remainder of the Test.

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