Australia edged closer to victory in the third and deciding Test against South Africa with another strong performance on day three.

South Africa ended the final session 140-4 at stumps, leading by just 40 in their second innings following the late wicket of Temba Bavuma.

Alex Carey (80) and Josh Inglis (102) began the day at the crease, with the latter quickly reaching his century before losing his wicket to Simon Harmer (4-104).

Harmer also dismissed Carey, and Australia's lower order scored just 50 runs for the last four wickets, though it was enough to give them a 100-run lead at the halfway point.

The Proteas' second innings got off to a nightmare start as Mitchell Starc (2-29) removed Aiden Markram (1) in the third over, while Josh Hazlewood (1-37) got the better of David Bedingham (11) five overs later.

And the tourists claimed a huge scalp in the penultimate over of the day, with Nathan Lyon (1-31) hitting the stumps after Bavuma (35) misjudged a big shot to the leg side.

Matthew Breetzke (19) and Ryan Rickelton (8) now have a huge task on their hands to build a strong partnership at the start of day four.

Stumps, Day 3!  Moving Day didn’t disappoint at YesPlay Newlands, with plenty of action throughout all three sessions!  #TheProteas close out the day’s play on 140/4 after 47 overs, leading by 40 runs as the battle continues into Day 4 tomorrow.  #Unbreakable #SAvAUS https://t.co/DZDolUUSaR

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) October 29, 2026

South Africa need inspiration

Bavuma inspired South Africa to victory in the second Test, and after surpassing 4,000 Test runs on day three, the hosts were hoping for a similar impact from their captain.

However, South Africa's top-order was ill-disciplined when patience was required, leaving their lesser batters with plenty of work to do.

They need to take notes from Inglis and Carey, who put on a 185-run partnership for the fifth wicket, with the former also reaching his second century in the longest format.

Nevertheless, there is still no reason to give up for the Proteas, with Wiaan Mulder and number-one ranked Test all-rounder Marco Jansen still to come after Breetzke and Rickelton.

A wicket that favoured batters is now starting to turn in the bowlers' favour, highlighted by Lyon's wicket of Bavuma, but there is still plenty to work with for both sides.