Australia Hit Back After Rabada's Five-Fer
Australia's Struggle to Reach 212
Australia's batting lineup struggled to reach a respectable total, with Kagiso Rabada's 5-51 leading the way for South Africa. Despite half-centuries from Steve Smith and Beau Webster, Australia could only manage 212.
South Africa's Early Setbacks
South Africa suffered early setbacks in their reply, with Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Josh Hazlewood doing the damage. The Proteas went into Stumps at 43/4.
Starc's Impact
Mitchell Starc made an instant impact, dismissing Aiden Markram for a six-ball duck. Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder tried to build a partnership, but faced probing bowling from the relentless trio of Starc, Hazlewood, and Cummins.
Bavuma's Struggle
Temba Bavuma survived a leg-before shout in Starc's over, but struggled to get going. He was eventually bowled by Hazlewood late in the day.
Rabada's Hat-Trick of Maidens
Earlier, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen were disciplined with the line and lengths. Rabada bowled a hat-trick of maidens to Khawaja and eventually got his reward when he had the left-hander edging to first slip for a 20-ball duck.
Smith's Rebuilding Efforts
Steve Smith struck a few boundaries at the start of the second hour and started rebuilding with Labuschagne. However, South Africa ensured that the partnership was short-lived.
South Africa's Poor Review
South Africa made a poor review, going up for leg-before in a Ngidi over when replays clearly showed it was bat brushing against the pad before Webster hit the ball.
Australia's Collapse
Australia lost steam again early in the third session with quick wickets going down. A 46-run stand between Carey and Webster came to an end when the former was bowled by Keshav Maharaj attempting a reverse sweep.
Brief Scores
Australia 212 (Beau Webster 72, Steven Smith 66; Kagiso Rabada 5-51, Marco Jansen 3-49) lead South Africa 43/4 (Ryan Rickelton 16; Mitchell Starc 2-10, Josh Hazlewood 1-10, Pat Cummins 1-14) by 169 runs.
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