Careless dismissals give Australia route to series win

What the report says

Australia moved closer to a series-clinching win over South Africa in the third Test in Cape Town after the home side’s top order wasted several chances on day three. BBC Sport reported that South Africa ended the day on 140-4, holding a lead of only 40 runs, after careless dismissals from Aiden Markram and David Bedingham and a late wicket for captain Temba Bavuma.

The match remains finely balanced, but Australia’s position improved after they were all out for 429, thanks in part to Josh Inglis’ century. South Africa then lost wickets at key moments as Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood exploited loose strokes. Simon Harmer took 4-104 for South Africa with the ball, while Australia’s attack again kept pressure on the Proteas as the pitch offered turn later in the day.

Bavuma provided resistance with a patient innings before being dismissed after a field change from Australia captain Pat Cummins helped Nathan Lyon take the crucial wicket. South Africa still have Ryan Rickelton and Matthew Breetzke at the crease, with further batting to come. The result matters because the winner of this Test will finish the series top of the ICC Test rankings, adding extra significance to the final days in Cape Town.