WORCESTERSHIRE pace ace Andy Bichel played a starring role as Australia took charge on the second day of the first Test against South Africa at Melbourne.

Bichel, who will return for a second season at New Road next year, has been considered surplus to Australia's attack for exactly a year. Yet the Queenslander didn't look out of place as he snared 3-44, held two fine catches, and inspired a run-out to help bowl the South Africans out for 277 in their first innings.

Openers Justin Langer (67no) and Matthew Hayden (55no) then forged another century stand to leave the Australians powerfully placed at 126 without loss when bad light ended play early.

Bichel tilted matters the home team's way by claiming the wickets of Jacques Kallis (38) and Lance Klusener (0) with successive balls, although television replays suggested Kallis was unlucky to be given out caught behind by Adam Gilchrist.

The out-of-form Klusener then offered Bichel the chance to snare a brilliant one-handed caught and bowled to his left.

After lunch Mark Boucher (43), having fought hard alongside top scorer Neil McKenzie (67), drove a wide delivery from part-time off spinner Mark Waugh to Bichel at mid-off.

Bichel then ran Claude Henderson (5) out with a brilliant pick-up and direct-hit throw from cover, and ended a last-wicket stand of 44 between between Shaun Pollock (42no) and Nantie Hayward (14) by having the latter caught at slip by Mark Waugh.