Australia seize advantage on Day 3 as South Africa face uphill task at Durban
Australia strengthened their position in the first Test against South Africa after bowling out the hosts for 251 on Day 3 at Kingsmead before reaching 17 without loss in their second innings. The visitors carried an overall lead of 139 runs into stumps, with two days remaining in the contest.
South Africa’s batting effort was marked by a series of promising starts that failed to develop into substantial individual scores. Seven batters crossed the 25-run mark, but David Bedingham’s 49 was the highest score of the innings as Australia’s bowlers capitalised on loose shots at crucial moments.
SA vs AUS 1st Test Day 3: Updates | Scorecard
Bedingham and Aiden Markram provided the hosts with their most significant partnership, adding 84 runs for the second wicket. Markram made 37 before edging Mitchell Starc to Matt Renshaw at first slip, while Bedingham’s resistance ended when he edged a back-foot drive and was caught by Steve Smith.
Smith’s catch also carried historical significance, taking his Test tally to 222 and moving him past England’s Joe Root, who previously held the record with 220 catches. Smith went on to take two more catches during the innings, including a sharp one-handed effort to dismiss Kyle Verreynne for 13.
South Africa captain Temba Bavuma managed only three runs before falling to a reverse sweep against Nathan Lyon. Wiaan Mulder scored 30 and Tristan Stubbs made 32, but neither could convert their starts into a substantial contribution. Marco Jansen added a brisk 26 off 20 balls before Australia continued to chip away at the lower order.
Pat Cummins led the visitors’ bowling attack with three wickets, while Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Lyon claimed two apiece. South Africa’s lower order, however, offered some resistance, with Harmer and Maharaj combining for a 52-run partnership for the ninth wicket. The final two wickets added 87 runs, giving the hosts a late boost after a difficult day.
Australia then began their second innings before the close, with Nic Maddinson immediately looking to score freely. He struck a boundary to get off the mark and finished unbeaten on 17, while his opening partner remained not out at the other end.
The visitors will look to build on their advantage by extending the lead quickly on Day 4, while South Africa need early wickets to prevent Australia from setting a daunting target. Despite the hosts’ late resistance, Australia remain firmly in control heading into the final two days.
– Ends
