South Africa vs Australia: Thrilling Day 3 of Test Series in Durban

The third day of the Test series opener between South Africa and Australia in Durban was filled with excitement as South Africa fought back after early struggles. Key performances included Matt Renshaw's impressive innings and Steve Smith's exceptional catches that rattled the Proteas' top order. Despite a spirited fightback from South Africa's lower order, Australia maintained a strong lead. As the day concluded, Australia ended at 33/0, leading by 139 runs. Read on for a detailed breakdown of the thrilling match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 11, 2026, 22:47 IST

Exciting Day 3 of the Test Series

The third day of the Test series opener between South Africa and Australia in Durban, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27, turned out to be quite the spectacle as South Africa made a comeback after an initial struggle, keeping the match competitive.

Smith's Exceptional Catches Shake South Africa's Top Order

After Matt Renshaw's impressive 190-run innings on Day 2, which propelled Australia to a total of 390 runs, South Africa began Day 3 at 27/1, trailing by 363 runs. Aiden Markram and David Bedingham worked to stabilize the innings, but their partnership was broken when Renshaw and Mitchell Starc teamed up to dismiss Markram for 37 runs off 67 balls, which included seven boundaries.

Steve Smith then displayed his remarkable catching ability, taking a sharp catch to dismiss Proteas captain Temba Bavuma for just three runs. Shortly after, he showcased his slip-catching prowess again by taking a stunning catch to send Bedingham back for 49 runs off 73 balls, leaving South Africa in a precarious position at 99/4.

Cummins Disrupts South Africa's Recovery Efforts

Wiaan Mulder (30 runs off 50 balls, with two fours and a six) and Tristan Stubbs (32 runs off 66 balls, with three fours) tried to stabilize the innings, forming a 56-run partnership. However, Australia’s captain Pat Cummins struck in consecutive overs, dismissing both players and leaving South Africa struggling at 155/6, still 35 runs away from avoiding the follow-on.

Lower Order of South Africa Stages a Resilient Fightback

The lower order of South Africa then mounted a spirited fightback, with contributions from Marco Jansen (26), Simon Harmer (35), Keshav Maharaj (34), and Anrich Nortje (16). Their efforts allowed the Proteas to reach 284 all out, reducing Australia's first-innings lead to 106 runs. Cummins led the wicket-takers with figures of 3/54, supported by Josh Hazlewood (2/54), Nathan Lyon (2/58), and Starc (2/63).

Australia Ends Day 3 at 33/0, Leading by 139 Runs

After just 5.4 overs of Australia’s second innings, bad light forced the umpires to call for stumps. Nic Maddinson and Travis Head were at the crease with scores of 17 and 10, respectively, as Australia finished the day at 33/0, leading by 139 runs.