South Africa's second innings collapsed to 140 for four on day three of the decisive third Test in Cape Town, leaving them with a slender lead of 40 runs over Australia. The tourists had earlier bowled out Australia for 429, with Josh Inglis scoring 102 and Simon Harmer taking four for 104.
South Africa's experienced batters fell to poor shot selection. Opener Aiden Markram drove Mitchell Starc straight to mid-off for one, while David Bedingham repeated his first-innings mistake by top-edging a pull to Josh Hazlewood off Starc for 11. Captain Temba Bavuma, after a patient 35 off 115 balls, was tempted into a wild swipe against Nathan Lyon with a silly point in place.
Former South Africa bowler Vernon Philander called Bedingham's dismissal "absolutely soft," noting he had been targeted in the same zone twice. Ex-captain Graeme Smith criticised Bedingham's technique, saying he "never looks in the right position to play the pull or hook shot."
At stumps, Matthew Breetzke and Ryan Rickelton were at the crease with Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen and the tail to follow. Australia's bowlers, led by Starc's two for 29, believe they have the crucial breakthrough, and any chase over 200 could be difficult on a turning pitch.
