Australia took a firm grip on the first Test against South Africa, taking three wickets before lunch on the third day at Kingsmead in Durban. The hosts were left on 115 for four in reply to Australia’s first innings total.
South Africa remain 275 runs behind Australia’s 390, and the hosts were described as being in some peril. Tristan Stubbs was on 14 and Wiaan Mulder was unbeaten on seven at the break.
Smith’s slip catches and Bavuma’s reverse sweep
The hosts resumed on 27 for one overnight, but Aiden Markram, captain Temba Bavuma and David Bedingham all fell to loose strokes. Steve Smith took two smart catches in the slips as the wickets fell.
Markram edged a drive off Mitch Starc and was caught by Matt Renshaw at first slip for 37. Bavuma went cheaply for three after an injudicious reverse sweep, giving veteran spinner Nathan Lyon his first wicket of the three-match series.
Smith then took a diving catch at first slip to dismiss Bedingham, who was out for 49 attempting a back foot drive off Pat Cummins. The source notes that all three batsmen missed a chance at a big score on a pitch that suited batting.
Umpire overturns Mulder decision before lunch
Australia came close to another wicket when Mulder appeared to be caught by Marnus Labuschagne off Lyon. The umpire reversed his out decision after television replays showed the ball had hit the ground before the catch.
South Africa had already lost opener Ryan Rickelton on Saturday as they began their reply to Australia’s total. That total was highlighted by Renshaw’s 190-run knock.
The opening two days both ended early because of bad light, and extra time has been added to all three of Sunday’s sessions.
