Australia v South Africa: Alex Carey century keeps hosts in charge in Melbourne

Alex Carey scored a maiden century as Australia closed in on a series-clinching win over South Africa.

In their first-day reply to South Africa's 189, the hosts racked up 575-8 before declaring.

Dean Elgar was caught for a duck and his side fell to 15-1.

The cricket ground was wet when play was stopped.

It ended as another dismal day for the tourists, but it had begun in promising fashion with a number of quick strikes in the morning.

David Warner was out to the first ball he faced on day three after being dismissed by Anrich Nortje for a superb yorker.

Pat Cummins was caught by Kagiso Rabada for four after seeing off the hat- trick ball.

Australia had started the day at 386 for three and was down to 400 for six by the end of the day.

Australia found a second wind when Nathan Lyon and Carey were in the middle. Lyon hit a 25 before Green made light of a broken finger to score an unconquered 50.

Green's injury will keep him out of the bowling attack for the rest of the match and he won't play in the third Test. He took five in the first day.

Carey, playing in his 14th Test, reached 112 before he was caught and taken out by Marco Jansen.

Carey is the first Australian to score a century in a Test since Brad Haddin in 2013).

South Africa was in trouble quickly. The visiting captain has only scored 31 runs on the tour, after Elgar's duck.

Theunis de Bruyn was dropped by Warner. He survived on six not out with the opener.

Australia will control the match's fate with two days left in the match.

In the first Test, Australia won by six runs.