The third Test match between South Africa and Australia at Newlands in Cape Town reached a critical juncture on day three, with the Proteas taking a slender 40-run lead at stumps. Australia were bowled out for 429 in their first innings, securing a 100-run lead thanks to Josh Inglis's 102 and Alex Carey's 80. South African bowler Simon Harmer took 4/104, while Marco Jansen claimed 3/60.
South Africa's second innings began poorly, with Aiden Markram and David Bedingham falling cheaply to leave the hosts at 31/2, still 69 runs behind. However, Marques Ackerman and captain Temba Bavuma formed a crucial 64-run partnership to erase the deficit. Ackerman scored a brisk 62 from 80 balls, while Bavuma contributed 35 from 115.
The partnership between Ackerman and Bavuma was vital in helping South Africa recover from a difficult start. Their stand carried the hosts beyond Australia's total before Mitchell Starc removed Ackerman for 62, caught by Cameron Green. Bavuma was later bowled by Nathan Lyon for 35 with the final ball of the 46th over.
At 140/4 at stumps, South Africa have a delicate 40-run advantage and six wickets in hand. Matthew Breetzke and Ryan Rickelton survived the final over to remain unbeaten on 19 and eight, respectively. Despite the lead, South Africa's position is precarious, with only six wickets remaining and a need to build a substantial fourth-innings target.
Australia had started the morning on 330/4, with Josh Inglis and Alex Carey having already added 145 for the fifth wicket. They extended that stand to 185 before South Africa finally found the breakthrough they needed. Inglis completed his second Test century from 132 balls but fell for 102 soon afterwards when he edged Simon Harmer through to wicketkeeper Rickelton.
The double breakthrough left Australia 379/6 and changed the momentum of the innings. The Australian lower order offered resistance, but South Africa continued to chip away. Pat Cummins was trapped lbw by Kagiso Rabada for a duck before Mitchell Starc was caught behind off Gerald Coetzee for 11. Australia went to lunch on 411/8, with Cooper Connolly on 20 and Nathan Lyon on one.
Australia were all out for 429 in 125.1 overs, giving them a 100-run first-innings lead. South Africa will resume on Friday with a 40-run lead, but with Australia having already taken four wickets, the balance of the match remains finely poised. The hosts will look to build a substantial fourth-innings target and secure a win.
Key points
- South Africa took a 40-run lead against Australia at stumps on day three.
- Josh Inglis scored 102 and Alex Carey scored 80 for Australia in their first innings.
- South Africa's Simon Harmer took 4/104, while Marco Jansen claimed 3/60.
