Australia extend lead to 82 runs as Connolly and Inglis bat through day three
Australia added 82 runs to their first-innings lead against South Africa at Newlands, with Cooper Connolly and Josh Inglis batting for the tail while wickets fell at regular intervals.
Australia increased its first-innings lead to 82 runs on day three of the Test at Newlands, Cape Town, after reaching 412 for eight. Cooper Connolly, who has faced 46 balls, and fast bowler Mitch Starc added runs while the lower order continued to bat cautiously.
Josh Inglis scored a century, reaching 100 off 132 balls with a reverse sweep off Simon Harmer, marking his second Test hundred. Alex Carey was dismissed for 80, caught behind off Harmer, and Pat Cummins fell lbw to Kagiso Rabada for a duck.
Kerry O’Keeffe, commenting on the broadcast, said the pitch was becoming more difficult for batting, noting the presence of reverse swing and uneven bounce, but praised Australia’s ability to perform in key moments.
South Africa’s bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada and the pace attack, continued to challenge the Australians, forcing edges and creating pressure, but the hosts maintained a lead of more than 70 runs as the session progressed.