Australia strengthened their position on Day 3 of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead, Durban. Australia bowled South Africa out for 284 in their first innings and finished the day at 33/0 in their second innings, taking their overall lead to 139 runs. Steven Smith was one of the biggest talking points of the day after taking four catches to become the highest catch-taker in men’s Test cricket. Pat Cummins led Australia’s bowling attack with three wickets, while Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon picked up two wickets each.
South Africa Look to Build on Their Overnight Start
South Africa started Day 3 on 27/1, with Aiden Markram and David Bedingham at the crease. Australia posted 390 runs in their first innings, and South Africa needed a good batting performance to reduce the lead and apply pressure on the visitors. Aiden Markram and David Bedingham displayed good patience at the start of the innings and kept the pressure off the Australian bowlers. However, bowlers maintained a tight line and forced two quick wickets shortly after. Australia eventually managed to get the innings back on track after the collapse.
Aiden Markram scored 37 runs before he was caught by Matt Renshaw at first slip after edging a sensational delivery. The wicket came at an excellent point for Australia, as it ended the crucial partnership between Aiden Markram and David Bedingham. South Africa lost wickets regularly in their innings. They struggled to make the best use of their starts, and Australia’s bowlers did not allow the batters to settle.
Steven Smith Makes History With Four Catches
Steven Smith played his part in South Africa’s batting collapse by taking four catches in total. Steve Smith equalled the record for the most catches in Test history and surpassed Joe Root’s record by one catch to finish with 223 catches in total. Steven Smith played an incredible role as a catcher as the ball came his way almost every time a South African batter attempted to hit the ball. Steve Smith caught the South African captain Temba Bavuma for three runs, which was an incredible piece of glovework.
Smith also took the catch to dismiss wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne after Temba Bavuma tried to sweep Nathan Lyon. Another excellent catch from Smith saw off David Bedingham as he was diving across the first-slip region to complete the catch. Smith took this catch to remove the dangerous-looking David Bedingham for 49 runs. The Australian fielder used all his powers and exceptional skills to pull off this diving catch. Steven Smith completed the day’s four catches, which saw South Africa’s innings collapse.
Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon Keep South Africa Under Pressure
The bowling unit applied constant pressure on South Africa and did not allow them to post a competitive total. Pat Cummins finished with 3/54, while Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon each took two wickets. David Bedingham was the top scorer for South Africa, scoring 49 runs before he got out on the last ball of the session.
Aiden Markram scored 37, and Simon Harmer was not out on 35. However, the lower order provided crucial runs for South Africa. Keshav Maharaj remained not out on 34. The hosts were eventually all out for 284 runs in 78 overs. They posted a total of 106 runs less than Australia’s first innings total of 390 runs.
Australia Build Their Lead Before Stumps
Pat Cummins’ brigade did not waste any time in their second innings as they aimed to post a big total and extend their lead. Nic Maddinson and Travis Head provided a solid start for Australia. Nic Maddinson was not out on 17 runs, with Travis Head on 10 when bad light halted the proceedings. Australia posted 33/0 in 5.4 overs.
The visitors had a lead of 139 runs, and they had all ten wickets in hand. They will look to utilise the entire day on Day 4 to post a bigger lead and put further pressure on South Africa in the fourth innings. South Africa needs early wickets in Australia’s second innings to restrict their progress and make them chase a big target.
What to Expect on Day 4?
Australia will look to their openers to build a substantial lead over South Africa. A big total in their second innings will put immense pressure on South Africa in the fourth innings. In contrast, South Africa will look to capitalise on their early wickets in Australia’s second innings and put more pressure on the visitors.
Day 3 belonged to Australia, as Steve Smith took four catches to equal the men’s Test record for the most catches. Smith, alongside his bowling attack, played a crucial role in South Africa’s batting collapse. Australia applied constant pressure on South Africa’s batters and were rewarded with a big lead of 139 runs.
However, South Africa fought hard and posted a competitive total of 284 runs in their first innings. David Bedingham and the lower order provided crucial runs for South Africa. Nevertheless, they were not able to surpass Australia’s 390 runs. With all ten wickets in hand, Australia will look to post a bigger total on Day 4. South Africa will need to perform much better to rescue the game from Australia’s hands.
Also Read: SA vs AUS: Pat Cummins Leads Australia’s Charge On Day 3