Roar Guru
South Africa take a 401 run lead into the fourth day against Australia at the Wanderers. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 6pm (AEST).
Australia fought hard to begin Day 3. With the Australians 110-6 to begin the day, it had the potential to only become worse considering South Africa scored 488 in their first innings.
But, thanks to Tim Paine and Pat Cummins, Australia managed to dig themselves out of a hole ever so slightly. They both added valuable half-centuries as they showed their class with the bat.
Paine showed his elegance at the crease finishing with 62 runs next to his name, and Cummins finished with 50.
Australia were bowled out for 221 to end their first innings, but Faf du Plessis decided to bat again despite having the option to enforce the follow-on. Due to the time that was left in the game, it made sense to give his bowlers a rest to recharge and go again.
South Africa began their second innings well, but the in-form Aiden Markram went for 37 when he snicked off to Cummins for 37.
Hashim Amla got a start scoring 16, but he was caught trying to tickle one around the corner off Nathan Lyon.
AB de Villiers couldn’t have an impact, which has been rare considering his form, but he copped a cracker from Cummins which took off and caught his glove which Paine made no mistake catching.
The joy stopped there for Australia as Dean Elgar (39 not out) and du Plessis (34 not out) propelled the Proteas to 3-134, which sees the lead at 401 runs.
Due to the time left in the game, South Africa will keep batting to the point that breaks Australia. It’s going to be one heavy defeat for Paine’s men.
It’s a shame the way the series has rounded out, because it had the potential to be a blinder, but it has been anything but in the end.
Prediction
Doesn’t take a rocket science to work this one out, but it’s just a question of when, rather than if, regarding South Africa winning this final Test match of the series.
South Africa to wrap up the series 3-1.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 6pm (AEDT).