Another Ricky Ponting failure against South Africa has been shrugged off by Australian captain Michael Clarke.

The 37-year-old Ponting scored just four and missed the party as Australia piled on 5-482 against the Proteas on day one of the second Test in Adelaide.

Ponting has failed to reach double-figures in five of his past six Test knocks against South Africa.

Newcomer Rob Quiney also flopped, making a duck on Thursday.

"I'm sure Rob and Ricky would have liked a few more runs today," Clarke said.

"But it's the game though, isn't it. Some people miss out and then the guy that gets in makes the most of it.

"No matter who you play, the hardest part about batting is starting your innings, those first 20 balls.

"I have got no qualms with anybody missing out at the start of their innings because you're facing a very good attack and it's the hardest time to bat."