An exhilarating David Warner innings highlighted the inadequacy of South Africa's efforts with the bat as Australia seized control on Day One of the first Test in Perth.
>Scorecard and ball-by-ball details
South Africa was restricted to 242 all out - despite a fine 84 from Quinton de Kock - after choosing to make first use of a pacy surface at the WACA, Mitchell Starc (4 for 71) and Josh Hazlewood (3 for 70) its chief tormentors.
If South Africa's total initially appeared below-par, that feeling was certainly enhanced as Warner cut loose in reply, thumping 73 not out from 62 deliveries and dominating an opening stand with Shaun Marsh (29 not out) that lifted Australia to 105 for 0 at stumps. Warner was fortunate to survive on 17, when a South African review for lbw would have proved successful had Vernon Philander not over-stepped. He was also discomforted on more than one occasion by a fired-up Dale Steyn.
However, Australia's vice-captain also played a host of sensational strokes through the off side, including an upper-cut six off Steyn, as he brought up a thrilling half-century from just 39 balls and hit 14 boundaries in all.
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South Africa, which handed a debut to left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, was quickly in trouble on Thursday as Mitchell Marsh pulled off a wonderful diving catch at gully to give Starc the wicket of Stephen Cook in the first over.
Hashim Amla also departed without scoring, caught at second slip off Hazlewood, while Dean Elgar and JP Duminy each failed to capitalise on being dropped as they were caught behind for 12 and 11 respectively, off Hazlewood and Peter Siddle.
Skipper Faf du Plessis (37) and Temba Bavuma (51) started a much-needed recovery from 32 for 4, but it was de Kock who played the lead role in ensuring South Africa passed 200.
After du Plessis had been well-held at first slip by Adam Voges off Starc, the wicketkeeper-batsman counter-attacked effectively during a stand of 71 with Bavuma, who had just passed 50 when he fell victim to Nathan Lyon courtesy of a wonderful reflex catch from Shaun Marsh at short-leg.
de Kock scores 84
De Kock continued to prosper in Bavuma's absence, amid limited support, but his hopes of completing a second Test hundred were dashed when he became the ninth man out, caught at midwicket having been beaten for pace by Hazlewood.
Starc removed Philander and Steyn either side of that wicket to finish with four scalps, before Warner's evening assault - together with a solid contribution from Shaun Marsh - put Australia firmly on top.
Thursday's final over summed up the state of the match, Warner striking three fours off Maharaj to take his side into three figures inside 21 overs.
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