Australia, bolstered by Josh Inglis’s century, forged an 82-run lead over South Africa by lunch on the third day of a crucial Test encounter. Despite the determined efforts of South Africa’s spinner Simon Harmer, the Australians managed to extend their innings with notable contributions from Cooper Connolly and Alex Carey.
Inglis, batting at No. 5, crafted an impressive 102 from 135 balls to secure his second Test century. Together with Carey, who added a solid 80, Inglis formed a vital fifth-wicket stand worth 185 runs. Harmer, South Africa’s standout bowler, eventually dismissed both batsmen, ending the session with figures of 4 for 104 from 37 overs.
Stepping in for the injured Steven Smith, ruled out due to a neck injury from the second Test, Inglis found his groove despite a tentative start. This was his first red-ball appearance since March in the Sheffield Shield. Known for his aggressive style, he showcased his attacking instinct and matched the century he made on his Test debut against Sri Lanka in 2025.
Australia began the day on 330 for 4, just ahead by a single run, with hopes of a commanding first innings score. South Africa sought early wickets using the second new ball, but Inglis and Carey remained resolute. Kagiso Rabada, recovering from stomach cramps, returned to the attack after some rest but had limited success initially. Marco Jansen, though the pick of the seamers from day two, struggled to repeat his earlier feats.
A misstep in the field from Gerald Coetzee, adding to his tough Test return, allowed Inglis to advance further as he approached his century. Rabada thought he had finally turned the tables after an edge from Carey, but Harmer narrowly missed a low catch at slip, compounding an already challenging morning after suffering a cut to his finger. Inglis capitalised on these opportunities, reaching his century with a reverse sweep.
Harmer eventually broke the partnership by removing Inglis for the same score as his previous ton, while a clever delivery accounted for Carey, caught by Aiden Markram. As seen throughout this series, wickets fell in clusters, and Rabada exploited this by trapping Pat Cummins lbw, furthering Australia’s late-session tumble.
Mitchell Starc resisted, supporting Connolly to push Australia past the 400 mark despite South Africa’s push to clean up the tail. Coetzee found some success by dismissing Starc for 11, marking a small victory in his challenging comeback.
This series remains tightly contested, reflecting both Australia’s robust batting displays and South Africa’s formidable bowling efforts. As the Test progresses, both teams will look to capitalise on their strengths and rectify previous missteps.
