SA vs AUS 3rd Test Day 3: Late Lyon Blow Puts Australia on Top

Australia seizes control of the 3rd WTC Test decider in Cape Town as Nathan Lyon dismisses Temba Bavuma late on Day 3, leaving South Africa leading by just 40.

News Source: https://www.cricinfo.com/

Australia securely took the lead on a thrilling third day of the series-deciding Test at Newlands. Just five minutes before stumps, off spinner Nathan Lyon's late masterclass ended South Africa's tenacious fight, giving the visitors a significant advantage in this crucial World Test Championship match. With just six wickets remaining, South Africa had a small 40-run advantage at the end of play on Day 3 after reaching 140/4 in their second innings.

Australia's goal at the start of the day was to significantly improve their position from the previous evening. Josh Inglis, a wicketkeeper-batter, scored 102 off 135 balls bringing up his second Test century with a brilliant, gritty counter-punching performance, stepping in smoothly in the absence of the injured Steve Smith. Together with teammate goalkeeper Alex Carey (80), Inglis established a vital 185-run fifth-wicket partnership that helped Australia secure a commanding 100-run lead and a strong first-innings total of 429. With numbers of 4-104, spinner Simon Harmer was the best bowler for the home team.

South Africa's second innings, which was supposed to eliminate the deficit under clear Cape Town skies, got off to a terrible start. Aiden Markram was dismissed for just one by left-arm quick Mitchell Starc, while David Bedingham was removed by Josh Hazlewood with a well-placed short ball. After that, Captain Temba Bavuma and Marques Ackerman (62) led a valiant comeback. Before getting beaten by a Mitchell Starc snorter, Ackerman played with excellent attacking intent, bringing Matthew Breetzke to the crease. The Australian onslaught was frustrated for 105 deliveries as the pair continued.

But with stumps approaching and South Africa feeling secure, Bavuma (35) tried a forceful leg-side whip off Lyon. The delivery broke South African hearts and shattered the stumps as it swung sharply out of the Newlands rough. Because of the late wicket, Australia only needs six wickets on Day 4 to complete a historic triumph on South African soil. Matthew Breetzke (19*) and Ryan Rickelton (8*) survived the last minutes to see the hosts to stumps.

FAQs:

Q: What was the match status at stumps on Day 3 between South Africa and Australia?

A: South Africa finished at 140/4 in their second innings, holding a slim 40-run lead over Australia.

Q: Who scored the crucial first-innings century for Australia?

A: Josh Inglis hit a brilliant, counter-punching 102 off 135 balls to steer Australia's first innings.

Q: What was Australia’s first-innings total and lead?

A: Australia was bowled out for 429, securing a commanding 100-run lead over South Africa's first-innings total of 329.

Q: Who was the most successful bowler for South Africa in the first innings?

A: Spinner Simon Harmer led the Protea’s bowling attack with figures of 4 for 104.

Q: Which key wicket did Nathan Lyon take just before stumps on Day 3?

A: Nathan Lyon bowled South African captain Temba Bavuma (35) out of the rough just five minutes before the close of play.

Q: Which Australian fast bowler made the early breakthroughs in the second innings?

A: Mitchell Starc struck early to remove Aiden Markram for 1 and later broke a vital partnership by dismissing Ackerman, finishing the day with 2/29.