Australia’s Test against South Africa in Cape Town is poised for a tense finish after Nathan Lyon removed Temba Bavuma late on the third day and Mitchell Starc produced another display of resilience with the ball.
South Africa reached 4-140, a lead of only 40, with six wickets remaining. Australia will be wary of chasing a target much beyond 200 on a surface that has become increasingly dry and difficult.
Lyon claimed Bavuma’s wicket in his 14th and final over of the day, tempting the South African captain to advance and attempt a flick through the leg side. The ball turned sharply from the footmarks and struck the stumps, prompting an exuberant celebration from Lyon and his team-mates.
The off-spinner finished with 1-31 and had threatened throughout the afternoon as Australia kept South Africa from building a decisive advantage.
“Yeah it was satisfying,” Australia’s centurion Josh Inglis said. “I think we controlled the tempo really well in that last session. Although they put on a pretty good partnership, they weren’t really getting away from us. Gaz bowled brilliantly and looked threatening the whole time.
“And when you work for a couple of hours there, and then get the rewards right at the end, it’s really satisfying.”
Starc took 2-29 despite appearing to suffer another physical issue. After dismissing Aiden Markram, he briefly looked uncomfortable while fielding at fine leg before spending time with the physiotherapist.
He returned to the attack and soon delivered one of the outstanding balls of the match, a fierce bouncer which dismissed Marques Ackerman after the ball took an edge and then struck his helmet before carrying to slip.
Ackerman attempted to review the decision just after the 30-second limit had expired. The umpires, followed by Australia captain Travis Head, made it clear that the opportunity had passed.
Earlier, Inglis completed his second Test century, reaching 102 with a reverse sweep to the boundary. He had been given his chance after Steve Smith’s late withdrawal and has strengthened his case to remain in the side for Australia’s first Test against New Zealand in Perth in December.
His dismissal came from the following delivery, when he edged Simon Harmer behind. Alex Carey, who made 80, also fell to Harmer, while Pat Cummins was dismissed lbw without scoring. Cooper Connolly’s composed 29 helped Australia establish a three-figure lead.
South Africa responded with determined resistance, although Australia’s rested attack applied sustained pressure. Markram and David Bedingham were drawn into attacking shots by the new-ball bowlers, while Ackerman’s dismissal and Bavuma’s eventual exit left the hosts under increasing pressure.
Harmer said the contest between bowler, batter and field was central to his approach.
“There’s many ways to skin a cat,” he said. “As an off-spinner, you want to bowl a right-hander through the gate. That’s the dream delivery. But there are a lot of nuances in how you can set batters up, get them to play on the back foot or front foot by using fielders.”
With two days remaining, Australia remain in front but South Africa retain a route back into the match. Lyon’s late breakthrough and Starc’s continued contribution have ensured that a closely fought Test is moving towards a potentially decisive final passage.
