South Africa's batting lapses give Australia edge in Cape Town Test
South Africa's top order struggled in the third Test, leaving them 40 runs ahead at the close of day three as Australia closed the gap.
South Africa's attempt to recover in the third Test at Cape Town was hampered by two careless dismissals on day three, leaving the hosts 140-4 and a 40-run lead over Australia. After posting 329 in the first innings, the Proteas faced a 100-run deficit in their second innings and needed contributions from opener Aiden Markram and number three David Bedingham. Neither batsman capitalised, and captain Temba Bavuma was also dismissed for 35.
Markram was caught off Mitchell Starc for a single, while Bedingham top-edged a pull shot to Josh Hazlewood, also off Starc. Former South Africa bowler Vernon Philander described Bedingham's dismissal as "absolutely soft" and noted that the batsman had been targeted in that zone. Former South Africa captain Graeme Smith criticised Bedingham's pull and hook technique, saying he "never looks in the right position" and is often off balance.
Australia, bolstered by Josh Inglis' second Test century, posted 429 in their first innings, narrowing the gap and putting pressure on the Proteas as the series heads toward its final two matches.