Australia strengthened their position in the first Test against South Africa in Durban after dismissing the hosts for 284 on Day 3. Led by captain Pat Cummins, Australia’s bowlers restricted South Africa’s first-innings total and secured a 106-run lead, before extending their overall advantage to 139 runs by stumps.
Australia had posted 390 in their first innings, thanks largely to Matt Renshaw’s outstanding 190. The visitors recovered from 124/6 to establish a competitive total, and their bowlers followed up by putting South Africa under sustained pressure.
Pat Cummins Leads Australia’s Bowling Attack
Cummins was Australia’s leading wicket-taker, finishing with figures of 3/54. Mitchell Starc claimed two wickets for 63 runs, while Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon also picked up two wickets each.
South Africa resumed Day 3 at 27/1 and gradually improved their position during the morning session. Aiden Markram and David Bedingham added 57 runs before Starc dismissed Markram for 37, with the opener edging the ball to slip.
Bedingham then continued to resist Australia’s attack, but Cummins eventually removed him for 49. The South African batter had faced 73 deliveries and was his team’s highest scorer.
South Africa Collapse Despite Middle-Order Resistance
After reaching 115/4 by lunch, South Africa struggled to build substantial partnerships. Captain Temba Bavuma fell for three while attempting a reverse sweep against Lyon, with Steve Smith taking the catch.
Cummins then struck twice in quick succession. He dismissed Wiaan Mulder for 30 and Tristan Stubbs for 32, leaving South Africa in a difficult position. Lyon subsequently removed Kyle Verreynne for 13 as the hosts slipped to 197/7.
Marco Jansen briefly counterattacked, striking six fours in a quick 26 off 20 balls. However, Hazlewood ended his innings, leaving South Africa at 238/8 by tea.
Maharaj and Harmer Help South Africa Reach 284
With the innings approaching its end, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer produced a valuable lower-order partnership. The pair added 52 runs for the ninth wicket, frustrating Australia’s bowlers and helping South Africa reach 284.
Maharaj contributed 34 runs, while Harmer remained unbeaten on 35. Their partnership reduced the deficit and ensured South Africa avoided an even smaller first-innings total.
Starc eventually dismissed Maharaj, bringing the stand to an end. South Africa were bowled out for 284, giving Australia a 106-run first-innings lead.
Australia Extend Their Advantage Before Stumps
Australia began their second innings and reached 33 without losing a wicket before bad light interrupted play again. Nic Maddinson was unbeaten on 17, while Travis Head had made 10 when the players left the field.
With Australia holding an overall lead of 139 runs, the visitors ended Day 3 in a favourable position. Their immediate objective will be to build a substantial second-innings total and put further pressure on South Africa.
The match has also drawn attention because it marks Australia’s return to South Africa for a Test tour after the 2018 ball-tampering controversy. South Africa, meanwhile, will need early breakthroughs to prevent Australia from taking the game further away from them.
Editorial note: This article is based on the supplied match report. Verify the official scorecard, match context and World Test Championship references before publication.