SA vs AUS: Australia seized the initiative on Day 2 of the third Test against South Africa, reaching 330/4 at stumps at Newlands, Cape Town, on Wednesday to secure a slender first-innings lead of one run. Josh Inglis and Alex Carey produced a superb unbeaten partnership to turn the contest in the visitors’ favour after South Africa had posted 329 in their first innings.
Matt Renshaw and Travis Head provided Australia with a promising start, adding 58 runs for the opening wicket. Head scored 41 before Simon Harmer dismissed him, and the spinner struck again to remove Marnus Labuschagne for a duck. Australia suddenly faced pressure, but Renshaw and Cameron Green responded with a crucial 126-run partnership for the third wicket.
Renshaw, Green half-centuries set the stage for Inglis-Carey rescue
Renshaw contributed a composed 74, while Green scored 65, helping Australia recover and reach 191/4 by tea. However, Marco Jansen struck twice in quick succession, dismissing both set batters and giving South Africa renewed hope of restricting the visitors to a manageable total.
With Australia under pressure at 185/4, Inglis and Carey joined forces to deliver a decisive response. Inglis played aggressively, finding the boundaries regularly, while Carey displayed patience and composure to frustrate the South African bowlers. Their unbroken 145-run stand transformed the innings and carried Australia past the hosts’ total without further damage.
Inglis remained unbeaten on 85 off 111 deliveries, striking nine fours and two sixes, while Carey finished on 51 not out from 126 balls. South Africa struggled to break the partnership despite taking the second new ball, leaving their bowlers with little reward in the final session.
Australia ended the day at 330/4 after 90 overs, holding a narrow but significant advantage with six wickets remaining. The decisive third Test remains finely poised, but the visitors will aim to build a substantial lead on Day 3, while South Africa must find a way to dismiss the in-form pair early.
Brief Score: South Africa 329 all out; Australia 330/4 (90 overs), lead by one run at stumps on Day 2.
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