Australia’s big summer of cricket has gotten off to a poor start, losing by seven wickets to South Africa in the first of the three-match Twenty20 series at the Adelaide Oval.

The tourists (3-145) reeled in Australia’s middling 6-144, underpinned by Shane Watson’s classy 47 in his first international outing in seven months, to take a one-nil lead in the three-game series.

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Australia’s batting innings was rescued by Watson, who top-scored in his comeback from ankle and calf injuries, and all-rounder James Faulkner (41 not out).

After the hosts limped to 4-67 after 10 overs with both their debutants – Ben Dunk (2) and Nathan Reardon (4) failing – Watson and Faulkner offered steadying hands.

The pair put on a half-century partnership from 35 balls, with Watson clubbing three sixes and Faulkner getting close to lifting Australia to a competitive total.

But on a true batting deck before 26,370 spectators, South Africa’s supposedly second-stringers cantered past the post.

After quick Doug Bollinger took a third-ball wicket, the Proteas unveiled an axeman, Rilee Rossouw, who chopped down the Australian bowlers.

Rossouw, making his T20 international debut, plundered a half-century from just 32 balls.

The 25-year-old finished with 78 from 50 balls, striking three sixes and seven fours in a match-defining knock.

Rossouw put on 129 runs in 14.3 overs with De Kock, who played second fiddle with a composed 46 from 39 balls to leave Finch plenty to ponder before game two in Melbourne on Friday.

-ABC/AAP