Aussies dominate South Africa after Inglis century: 3rd Test, Day 3 (Cape Town)

Josh Inglis struck his second Test century as Australia took a 100-run first-innings lead on Day 3 of the third Test against South Africa at Cape Town.

The hosts fought back in their second innings to finish on 140 for 4, holding a lead of 40 runs.

Australia resumed at 330 for 4 and advanced to 429, with Josh Inglis scoring an impressive 102 and Alex Carey contributing 80. Matt Renshaw added 74 to strengthen the visitors’ position, while Simon Harmer claimed four wickets for 104 and Marco Jansen took three for 60 to prevent Australia from building an even larger total.

South Africa showed greater resilience in their second innings, with Marques Ackerman leading the recovery with 62 and captain Temba Bavuma adding 35.

However, Mitchell Starc struck twice for 29 runs to keep Australia in the contest, leaving the home side with six wickets remaining and a slender 40-run advantage at stumps.

South Africa will need a substantial partnership on Day 4 to establish a challenging target, while Australia will be eager to strike early and prevent the hosts from taking control of the series decider.

South Africa 329 and 140 for 4 (Ackerman 62, Bavuma 35, Starc 2-29) lead Australia 429 (Inglis 102, Carey 80, Renshaw 74, Harmer 4-104, Jansen 3-60) by 40 runs.

Oct 2026.