Spearhead Dale Steyn finished with five wickets after Makhaya Ntini claimed three victims in 12 deliveries to rip through India's top order in bowler-friendly conditions after the hosts won the toss and opted to bat.

Morne Morkel took two wickets as the middle-order crumbled in the absence of Sachin Tendulkar, who missed the game due to a groin injury.

At stumps, the visitors moved to 223-4, with Kallis and de Villiers unbeaten on 60 and 59 respectively, for a lead of 147 after the hosts were dismissed for their second-lowest home total and for just 10 more runs than their worst tally against South Africa in Durban 12 years ago.

South Africa's openers complemented the work of the bowlers, providing a 78-run start before skipper Graeme Smith fell lbw to pacer Shanthakumaran Sreesanth for a sparkling 34.