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It’s going to be an uphill battle for Australia as they look to cause a miracle upset victory in the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage of what should be a pivotal Day 4 from 7:30pm (AEDT).
Steve Smith and his Australian side have been wiped off the floor during this third Test, unable to adapt to the conditions.
Batting second was a minor disadvantage to Australia, but their bowling simply hasn’t been good enough to be in front of the match, with the exception of one session on Day 1 as Pat Cummins tore through the South African middle order.
The South African first innings ended up on 311, with Dean Elgar carrying his bat.
In reply, the tourists were knocked over for 255, some 66 runs short of the mark. It could have been a lot worse though, had Nathan Lyon not pounded the Proteas quicks for 47.
With almost all of Day 3 to bat, South Africa put the foot to the floor, racking up 5 for 238, taking their lead out to 298.
Realistically, that score should already be beyond a realistic chase for Australia, who still have five wickets to get before they are able to bat again. Of those, an in-form AB De Villiers is still at the crease on 51, joined by aggressive wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock, who made 29 from just 33 balls before stumps yesterday.
With the lead being so large, Australia must take the five wickets in a hurry on Day 4, then knuckle down and aim to bat for a long, long time to win the match.
Scoring fast simply isn’t going to work when the ball is either new, reversing or against spin. Reverse swing has played a huge role in this series and is again during the third Test, with both teams using it.
Australia’s second innings bowling performance hasn’t been up to scratch though. Nathan Lyon has gone at more than four runs per over, proving ineffective while Mitchell Starc hasn’t yet looked all that threatening.
For three days, Australia have simply been outplayed by the hosts, who seem to have the game in the bag, but will want to bat through to around lunch on Day 4 at least. That would take their lead to somewhere in the vicinity of 400, leaving them around five sessions to knock Australia over and move ahead in the series.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of Day 4 from 7:30pm (AEDT) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.