South Africa vs Australia 3rd Test Day 2: South Africa would look to defend their 311-run first innings score. (Source: Reuters)
South Africa vs Australia 3rd Test Day 2: South Africa were pushed on the back foot in the last half an hour of the day when Nathan Lyon took on the Proteas bowling attack. He scored an aggressive 38-ball 47 to provide some resistance to Australia who were left struggling at 175/8. Earlier, riding on Dean Elgar’s unbeaten 141, South Africa posted 311. In reply, Australia got off to a good start when Cameron Bancroft and David Warner compiled 43 for the first wicket before Warner was sent back by Kagiso Rabada after his off-stump was sent for a toss. Australia kept on losing wickets at regular intervals and were dominated thoroughly by the Proteas. But courtesy, a cameo from Lyon and a sensible batting display from Tim Paine ended Australia’s day at 245/9 and they now trail by 66 runs.
South Africa were pushed on the back foot in the last half an hour of the day when Nathan Lyon took on the Proteas bowling attack. He scored an aggressive 38-ball 47 to provide some resistance to Australia who were left struggling at 175/8. The home side will now look to wrap up Australia's innings as soon as possible when they come out in the morning.
Australia end day's play at 245/9, trail South Africa by 66 runs
South Africa have a wicket and Nathan Lyon who was looking dangerous has to depart. He scored 47 off 48, Aus 241/9. it was a brilliant effort from Lyon... He created some restlessness in the South African camp with that assault.
Nothing is going South Africa's way at the moment. Natah Lyon is on a counter attack, Tim Paine is well-set at the crease and we now have a dropped catch. Moreover, who has dropped it ? AB DE VILLIERS...
The South African pace attack is peppering the Australia tail with some short deliveries. The home side has dominated this session and are presently in the driver's seat.
South Africa get another one. Australia are on the backfoot in this match. They have lost their seventh wicket with Tim Paine to be their last recognised batsman out there in the middle.
Philander gets rid of Mitchel Marsh and Australia lose their sixth wicket. This has been an incredible performance from South Africa nad they just need to wrap up the Australian innings quickly.
Philander has trapped Bancroft in front of the stumps. He is gone for 76 and Australia are 150/5. They went for a review but it's unsuccessful. Australia are surely in a spot of bother. With the fall of that wicket, the umpires have called for Tea. Australia are 150/5, trail South Africa by 161
WICKET! The hosts have a breakthrough here and with that Morkel scalps his 300th Test wicket. Shaun Marsh departs for 26 after getting caught by Quinton de Kock behind the stumps. Morkel is delighted and he has got all the reasons for it.
Meanwhile, South Africa bowlers are trying hard to get a breakthrough. They have been successful in beating the batsmen's outside edge but haven't got a wicket.
This has been a vital partnership for Australia especially after the dismissal of Steve Smith. Smith got out for 5 but the left-right batting combination has certainly resisted well against the formidable South African bowling line up.
Bancroft has been clinical in his approach despite watching the fall of wickets around him. He has gone past the 50-run mark and needs to stay at the crease for a long time. Australia would expect him to do a Dean Elgar for them.
Cameron Bancroft has dug deep and is playing a fighting innings. Shaun Marsh has just arrived at the crease after the dismissal of Steve Smith. He is looking comfortable and will hope to forge a good partnership to get Australia out of troubled waters. Aus- 91/3
Steve Smith is dismissed by Morne Morkel as he edges one straight to the gully fielder. The Australian skipper goes for the drive but steep bounce results in a thick edge. 299 Test wickets for Morne Morkel. AUS- 72/3
It is time for Lunch on Day 2. A riveting session of play ends with Australia at - 67/2. They trail South Africa by 244 runs. The highlight of this period was the intense battle between David Warner and Kagiso Rabada where Warner smashed the pacer for 22 runs before witnessing his off-stump cartwheel off the ground. Earlier, South Africa were bowled out for 311. Pat Cummins was the pick of the bowlers as he returned with figures of 4/78.
GONE! Usman Khawaja goes for a pull but is caught towards the fine-leg region. Poor shot selection by the batsman, no need for it, considering lunch is round the corner. Morne Morkel picks up his first wicket of the match. Aus - 61/2
David Warner is out for 30. He smashes Rabada for 22 runs in 5 balls and then has his off-stump knocked off by the South African seamer. What a terrific battle! AUS - 43/1.
Openers David Warner, Cameron Bancroft are at the crease. David Warner is on the brink exclusive record. If he scores a ton then he can surpass Sachin Tendulkar and Michael Clarke in becoming the first non-South African to score three Test centuries at Newlands in Cape Town.
Sorry for the delay in updates as we battled technical difficulties. During the period, South Africa have been bowled out for 311 with Dean Elgar carrying the bat. Walks back to the pavillion amid loud applause from all at Newlands. South Africa might not be happy with the eventual score, though. Elgar and AB had them in a dominant position and looked good for over 400 or even 500 but strictly stopped now. Australia could have curtailed the score even further on Day 2 with Rabada batting through - sometimes with luck at his end.
Players come out to the middle. Pat Cummins has the ball and he would look to tap into the momentum that was created last evening. Elgar, especially, needs to bat on deep. But it will go to waste if no one sticks around at the other end. Rabada, "back" into the side after the drama between the second and third Test, being cheered on loudly.
Dean Elgar to resume from 121 on Day 2 and he will have Kagiso Rabada for company. South Africa would be eager to avoid a further slide
The first day of the third Test between South Africa and Australia saw one of the worst middle-order collapses in recent times from South Africa. It was Pat Cummins who scripted Australia's comeback after the home side were cruising in the match at 220/2. They lost six wickets within 37 runs and remained 266/8 at stumps. With Dean Elgar, still in the middle at 121*, can the Proteas cross the 300-mark on Day 2?