Nathan Lyon struck a crucial blow just before the close of play, dismissing South Africa captain Temba Bavuma to strengthen Australia’s position in the series-deciding third Test at Newlands on Thursday.South Africa ended day three at 140/4 in their second innings, but with a deficit of 100 runs overturned, they effectively had a lead of just 40 with six wickets remaining. Matthew Breetzke was unbeaten on 19, while Ryan Rickelton was on eight.Bavuma’s departure came with only five minutes left in the day’s play. The South African captain, who had battled for 115 balls to score 35, attempted to work Lyon towards the leg side but missed the delivery, which went through the gap between bat and pad to hit the stumps.It was the seventh time Lyon had dismissed Bavuma, including twice in the ongoing Test.Australia had earlier secured a 100-run first-innings advantage after being bowled out for 429. South Africa’s reply began poorly, with Mitchell Starc removing Aiden Markram in the third over after the opener played a delivery straight to Travis Head at mid-off.David Bedingham became the next casualty shortly before tea, top-edging a pull against Josh Hazlewood to give Lyon a catch in the deep.South Africa’s middle order briefly restored some stability through Bavuma and Marques Ackerman. Ackerman, who had scored 95 in the first innings, struck another half-century off 64 balls and appeared set for a substantial contribution before Starc dismissed him for 62. A short ball from the Australian pacer struck Ackerman’s helmet grille before carrying to slip.Starc finished the day with figures of 2/29 and had taken eight wickets in the match. Australia will look to press home its advantage when play resumes, with the pitch expected to become increasingly difficult for batting.Inglis century headlines Australia’s first inningsEarlier, Australia resumed day three at 330/4 but lost their remaining six wickets for 99 runs to finish on 429.Josh Inglis continued from his overnight score of 85 not out to register his second Test century, reaching the landmark off 132 deliveries. His innings included 11 fours and two sixes. Both his Test hundreds have come overseas, with his first being a 102 on debut in Sri Lanka last year.Inglis shared a 185-run fifth-wicket partnership with Alex Carey, who contributed 80 off 168 balls, hitting seven fours. Both batters were dismissed by Simon Harmer, who accounted for Inglis and Carey in the first hour.Harmer continued to trouble the Australian lower order, while Kagiso Rabada trapped Pat Cummins lbw for a six-ball duck. Gerald Coetzee then removed Starc, who was caught behind, leaving Australia at 411/8 at lunch.The visitors added only 29 runs after the break, with Cooper Connolly scoring 29 off 83 balls, including three fours.Harmer finished with figures of 4/104, while Marco Jansen claimed 3/60 as South Africa fought back after Australia’s strong start.The three-match series is level at 1-1. Australia won the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs before South Africa bounced back with an innings-and-31-run victory in Gqeberha. The third Test will decide the series.
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