Australia strengthened their position in the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead in Durban, finishing Day 3 with a 139-run lead after bowling the hosts out for 284 in their first innings.
After scoring 390 in their opening innings, Australia dismissed South Africa in 78 overs to secure a valuable 106-run advantage. The visitors then reached 33 without loss in their second innings before bad light brought another early end to play on Sunday, October 11.
Steve Smith Sets Test Fielding Record
Steve Smith produced an outstanding performance in the field, taking four catches as South Africa struggled to build partnerships. His efforts took his career tally to 223 Test catches, surpassing England's Joe Root to set a new record for the most catches by a fielder in men's Test cricket, excluding wicketkeepers.
David Bedingham top-scored for South Africa with 49 off 73 balls, while Aiden Markram contributed 37. However, Australia's bowlers continued to strike at important moments, preventing the hosts from building a substantial partnership.
Pat Cummins led the attack with three wickets for 54 runs. Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon claimed two wickets each as South Africa were dismissed for 284.
South Africa's Lower Order Offers Resistance
South Africa faced pressure after losing regular wickets during the middle sessions. Wiaan Mulder scored 30 and Tristan Stubbs added 32, but neither could convert their start into a major innings.
The lower order provided some resistance through Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer. Their partnership helped South Africa move beyond 250 before Australia's bowlers wrapped up the innings.
Despite the late resistance, South Africa finished 106 runs behind Australia's first-innings total of 390.
Australia Extend Their Advantage
Australia began their second innings with the aim of building a bigger lead. Openers Nic Maddinson and Travis Head negotiated the closing overs without losing a wicket, taking the score to 33/0 in 5.4 overs.
Maddinson was unbeaten on 17, while Head remained not out on 10 when bad light stopped play.
With a 139-run overall lead and all 10 second-innings wickets intact, Australia will look to extend their advantage on Day 4. South Africa, meanwhile, need early wickets to prevent the visitors from setting a challenging target.
The opening Test remains in progress, with Australia firmly positioned after three days of play.
Match situation at stumps, Day 3:
Australia: 390 all out and 33/0 in the second innings
South Africa: 284 all out
Australia's lead: 139 runs
Top performer with the bat: Matt Renshaw, 190
Top Australian bowler in South Africa's first innings: Pat Cummins, 3/54
Play has been affected by bad light across all three days, making the remaining sessions important as both teams look to shape the result.
