Australia moved closer to a series-deciding victory after reducing South Africa to 140/4 at stumps on day three of the third Test at Newlands on Thursday.
The hosts held a slender 40-run lead with six wickets remaining. Nathan Lyon delivered a crucial breakthrough in the penultimate over, dismissing South African captain Temba Bavuma for 35. Bavuma had battled for nearly three hours before Lyon’s sharply turning delivery hit the stumps.
Australian centurion Josh Inglis praised his team’s bowling effort, highlighting Lyon’s impact and Australia’s control during the final session, when South Africa managed only 87 runs in 34 overs. Mitchell Starc, who claimed six wickets in the first innings, continued his impressive performance by dismissing Aiden Markram and Marques Ackerman.
Josh Hazlewood removed David Bedingham, who was caught attempting a hook shot for the second time in the match. Earlier, Australia posted 429 in their first innings to secure a 100-run lead. Inglis scored 102, sharing a valuable 185-run fifth-wicket partnership with Alex Carey, who made 80.
South African spinner Simon Harmer believes the deteriorating pitch will bring spin increasingly into play over the remaining two days, potentially making Lyon a major threat.