Australian opener David Warner's horror start to the summer has been extended, with the veteran batsman out for a golden duck during Saturday's first Test against South Africa.

In what was the first delivery of the innings, a short ball from Proteas paceman Kagiso Rabada forced Warner to raise his elbow to defend the ball, which collected the top of his bat and floated toward short square leg.

Middle-order batsman Khaya Zondo was camped under the ball and claimed a one-handed catch at full stretch to dismiss Warner for nought.

Rabada's first over would go for eight runs, but the scalp of Warner had his side on the front foot early.

It's the second time in as many years that a bowler has taken a wicket with the opening ball of an innings at the Gabba, with Mitch Starc claiming the wicket of Rory Burns in the first delivery of last summer's Ashes series.

Australia dismissed South Africa for a total of 152 runs in the opening innings of the match, with the Gabba pitch proving to be a headache for batsmen early into the Test.