South Africa 140-4 on day three of third Test vs Australia
South Africa reached 140-4 at the close of play on day three of the decisive third Test in Cape Town, holding a lead of 40 runs after batters carelessly gifted wickets to Australia, bbc.co.uk reported.
Top-Order Collapses Undermine Proteas Recovery
The hosts began their second innings facing a deficit of exactly 100 runs after Australia posted 429 in their first innings, fueled by Josh Inglis’s second Test century. South Africa needed a platform from their senior batters, but Aiden Markram and David Bedingham both fell to preventable strokes. Markram drove a full delivery from Mitchell Starc straight to Travis Head at mid-off to fall for just one run. Bedingham fared little worse in execution, repeating the pull shot that dismissed him in the first innings to top-edge another bouncer from Starc straight into the hands of Josh Hazlewood.
“That is just absolutely soft from David Bedingham,” former South Africa bowler Vernon Philander said, noting that the batter fell to the exact same ploy after being hit in the chest by a bouncer moments earlier. Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith pointed out that Bedingham “never looks in the right position to play the pull or hook shot” and is “pirouetting on one leg.”
Late Strike Drags Bavuma From the Crease
Captain Temba Bavuma offered resistance by occupying the crease for 115 balls, anchoring a 17.3-over partnership alongside Matthew Breetzke after opening batter Marques Ackerman was bounced out by Starc for 65. Yet, with just four minutes remaining in the day’s play, Australia captain Pat Cummins altered his field to bring in a silly point for spinner Nathan Lyon. Drawn from his crease by the tactical adjustment, Bavuma attempted a forceful drive through mid-wicket and fell for 35. Australia's celebrations highlighted the value of the breakthrough on a pitch where Lyon found vicious turn.
With South Africa standing at 140-4 and holding only a 40-run cushion, any fourth-innings chase above 200 presents severe complications on a deteriorating surface. Whether the remaining lower-order resistance can build a defendable total before the series concludes remains entirely open.
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Australia are 8 down at Lunch.A productive first session for South Africa after Josh Inglis completed his hundred.AUS (411/8 in 117 ov), lead by 82 runs.#SAvAUS 3rd Test, Day 3 Live: https://t.co/jhme6QPRCs