Josh Inglis Scores Century Before Australia Reduce South Africa to 40 for 4

Australia in Control: Australia holds the upper hand at stumps on Day 3 of the third Test in Cape Town, leading by 40 runs with South Africa struggling at 140 for 4 in their second innings.

Late Collapse: South Africa lost wickets in a hurry late in the day as offspinner Nathan Lyon and pace spearhead Mitchell Starc tore through the top order, leaving the hosts effectively 40 for 4.

Rabada entered the attack 30 minutes into the day's play, hoping improved health might spur a better performance after going wicketless on day two. He was left frustrated after producing an edge off Carey only for Harmer to drop a catch low to his left at slip.

Harmer's woes were compounded by his finger being split open, although fortunately not on his bowling hand. Having bandaged the wound, Harmer was deployed into the attack only to be reverse-swept brilliantly by Inglis, who reached his century in style.

South Africa Second Innings: Resistance and Late Stumbles

Recovery Attempt: After trailing by 100 runs on the first innings, South Africa tried to steady the ship through captain Temba Bavuma and Marques Ackerman, who combined for a gritty partnership following two early wickets.

Key Dismissals:

Ackerman scored a fighting 62 before being caught behind off a searing bouncer from Starc. Bavuma defended resolutely for 115 balls, notching his 4,000th Test run, but fell less than 10 minutes before stumps when Lyon bowled him with a sharp-spinning delivery that rattled the stumps.

Starc's Impact: Mitchell Starc picked up 2 for 29, removing openers Aiden Markram and Ackerman, taking his match tally to eight wickets.

Australia First Innings: Inglis and Carey's Partnership

Total Posted: Australia was bowled out for 429 midway through the second session, securing a vital 100-run first-innings lead. Inglis Century: Coming in as a replacement for the injured Steven Smith, Josh Inglis hit his second Test century (102 off 135 balls), building on his debut ton against Sri Lanka in 2025.

Carey's Support: Inglis shared a massive 185-run fifth-wicket partnership with Alex Carey, who contributed 80 runs before both batters fell to spinner Simon Harmer, who finished with figures of 4 for 104.