Australia A quicks take toll on SAfrica A

Australia A's Joe Mennie has torn through South Africa A's top order, taking four wickets on day one of their second four-day match in Townsville.

South Africa A were 5-203 at stumps on Saturday's opening one after winning the toss and electing to bat at Tony Ireland Stadium.

Captain Stephen Cook made 53 for the tourists off 134 balls before falling to Mennie, caught behind by Sam Whiteman. Mennie also dismissed Proteas batsman Dean Elgar for five.

Queensland's Mitchell Swepson took the crucial wicket of Omphile Ramela, who scored 82 before being caught by Kurtis Patterson.

Mennie finished the day with 4-44 off 18 overs, continuing his run of good form after a man-of-the-match performance in the series opener in Brisbane last week, which Australia won by 197 runs.

Swepson said while South Africa started the day well, he was happy with the way Australia's quicks responded later in the day.

"We're in a really good position considering where South Africa were after lunch. They set themselves up well and I think ... our quicks really tightened up the screws and made it hard for them to score," Swepson said.

Play will resume on day two at 9.30am.