South Africa’s much-vaunted bowling attack ripped through a lacklustre Australia A top order at the SCG on Friday, reducing the hosts to 3-89 by lunch.

The three-day tour game is their only match practice ahead of next week’s Gabba Test, but it took Dale Steyn precious little time to highlight why he’s the world’s top-ranked fast bowler.

The 29-year-old produced a wonderful delivery which pitched on middle then beat the bat before clipping off stump to remove Liam Davis for just 10.

Former Test opener Phil Hughes survived a strong shout for caught behind off Steyn’s bowling, but dug his own grave soon after by chopping onto his stumps with an ugly slash off the bowling of Rory Kleinveldt to be out for five.

Classy spinner Imran Tahir inflicted more damage when he trapped Australia A skipper Andrew McDonald for a duck to have the home side struggling at 3-44.

A bright cameo before the break from allrounder Steve Smith (28 not out) helped build a 45-run partnership with opener Rob Quiney (42 not out).

Jacques Kallis, recovering from a chest infection, and Morne Morkel are being rested from an otherwise full-strength South African team.