BRIEFS: Steyn puts SA on top

Fast bowler Dale Steyn ripped through Australia to take 4-31 and put South Africa on top on the first day of the opening Test yesterday, despite a fighting unbeaten century by Michael Clarke. Steyn struck at crucial times to start the two-match series in ominous form and debutant Vernon Philander provided strong backup with 3-54, as Australia struggled to 214-8 when bad light ended play.

Only Clarke provided prolonged resistance, holding Australia's innings together single-handedly with a stylish 107 not out from 114 balls. The captain hit 17 fours and shared a 103-run partnership with Marsh (44) from 40-3, before another slide late in the day by the tourists.

'I'm not crazy' - Balotelli

FLORENCE, Italy (AP):

Mario Balotelli insists he's not crazy, although he does acknowledge that he "can do strange things" from time to time. For example, Balotelli recently had to evacuate his house in England after fireworks were let off in his bathroom. And he has been questioned by Naples prosecutors over a visit with the Camorra crime syndicate, allegedly saying he saw bags of cocaine piled on a table.

Speaking at Italy's training camp yesterday, the Manchester City striker was also asked about constantly ending up pictured on the gossip pages with an array of women.

The media "tends to talk more about my private life than what I do on the pitch. It's normal, but it bothers me," Balotelli said. "I'm not crazy, not at all - even though I can do strange things."

The son of Ghanian immigrants, Balotelli often faced racial taunts when he played for Inter Milan, despite being born and raised in Italy.

"Racism is ignorance. I can only hope that certain things don't happen again," Balotelli said, adding that he doesn't miss Serie A at all. "Serie A has fallen. The Premiership is a great league and I'm playing for the best squad. I don't see my future in Italy."