Aussies on top, South Africa struggle against Cummins led attack: 1st Test, Day 3 (Durban)

Skipper Pat Cummins bowled with fire as Australia strengthened their grip on the first Test against South Africa on Day 3 at Kingsmead, Durban, securing a 139-run first-innings lead after dismissing the hosts for 284.

Resuming at 27/1, South Africa struggled to build substantial partnerships against a disciplined Australian attack. David Bedingham top-scored with 49, while Aiden Markram contributed 37, but wickets fell at regular intervals.

Cummins led the bowling effort with 3/54, while Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon claimed two wickets apiece.

Steve Smith made history in the field, taking four catches to reach 223 Test catches, surpassing England’s Joe Root, who previously held the record with 220.

Australia began their second innings late in the day and reached 33/0 at stumps, extending their overall lead to 139 runs. Nic Maddinson was unbeaten on 17, alongside Travis Head on 10, when bad light brought play to an early close.

With two days remaining, Australia were well placed to build a substantial second-innings total and put South Africa under significant pressure in their pursuit of a challenging fourth-innings target.

Australia 390 and 33 for 0 (Maddinson 17*, Head 10*) lead South Africa 284 (Bedingham 49, Cummins 3-54, Hazlewood 2-54) by 139 runs.

Oct 2026.