Pat Cummins claimed 3-54 as Australia took a 139-run lead against South Africa at stumps on day three of the first Test in Durban.
A collective bowling effort from Australia saw South Africa bowled out for their first innings 284, with Mitchell Starc (2-63), Josh Hazlewood (2-54) and Nathan Lyon (2-58) also among the wickets.
Australia scored 390 runs in their first innings with Matt Renshaw hits a career-best 190 to help the visitors recover from a precarious 124-6.
In their second innings, Australia were 33-0 in bat from 5.4 overs – Nic Maddinson 17no and Travis Head 10no – when play was again called off early due to bad light, with nearly 13 overs lost on the day.
David Bedingham top-scored for South Africa with 49 off 73. The hosts were 197-8 at one stage before a 52-run ninth-wicket partnership between Keshav Maharaj (34) and Simon Harmer (35no) repaired some of the damage.
South Africa are the reigning World Test champions and beat Australia in the 2025 final. It is Australia’s first trip to the country since the ball-tampering scandal of 2018 when they last toured there.
Australian bowlers make the difference on day three
Australia captain Pat Cummins does his bowling
South Africa fell to 115-4 at lunch. Starting at 27-1 on day two, Aiden Markram (37) and Bedingham added 57 runs to their overnight partnership.
The breakthrough for Australia came just before drinks when Markram edged Starc to move into the 21st over.
South Africa scored 59-1 in the first hour. In the second over, Temba Bavuma (3) was caught by Lyon – Steve Smith took a well-judged catch as Bavuma went for a reverse sweep.
Australia’s Travis Head takes a catch and dismisses Marco Jansen
Cummins then had Bedingham caught at slip with Smith taking another wonderful catch to the left.
After lunch, Cummins struck again. Wiaan Mulder was the first to go – he scored 30 off 50 balls with three fours and a six, adding 56 with Tristan Stubbs.
Stubbs fell just short of 32 – caught at square leg, again outside Cummins.
Jansen of South Africa plays a high ball
Lyon had Kyle Verreynne caught at error for 13 as South Africa stumbled to 197-7. Marco Jansen hit six fours for a 20-ball 26 before getting run out by Hazlewood.
South Africa were 238-8 at tea with Harmer and Maharaj able to pass the follow-on mark. Their 50-year partnership ended when Starc dismissed Maharaj.
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