After an enthralling first day of the third Test match at Newlands, where South Africa gave away a promising start by the end of the day’s play, it was the hosts who have their noses ahead in conclusion of Day 2.

South Africa resumed their innings with the overnight score of 266 for the loss of eight wickets. Their gritty opening batsman managed to carry his bat for the third time in his Test career with the help of his unbeaten 141.

A minor resistance from Rabada ensured that the home team posted a handful total of 311, in the hindsight.

SA v AUS, 3rd Test, Cape Town: South Africa assert their dominance with the ball 1

For the Australians, Cummins was the pick of the bowlers as he clinched a four-wicket haul and turned the game on its head.

Hazlewood also gave ample support to Cummins with his couple of wickets. Lyon finished the formalities for his side with his two wickets on Day 2. The early fireworks were provided by David Warner who scored a rapid 14-ball 30.

However, it was Kagiso Rabada, who curtailed his knock short and directed him towards the pavilion. From there on, wickets continued to tumble one after the other until Shaun Marsh came to the crease and provided some resistance.

SA v AUS, 3rd Test, Cape Town: South Africa assert their dominance with the ball 2

Cameron Bancroft vigil at the crease was the only positive for the Australian side’s in the day. The opener scored 77 off just 103 deliveries in an innings laced with fourteen boundaries.

Morne Morkel was simply sensational during the phase as he clinched three wickets to create a talking point in the game. By dismissing Shaun Marsh, Morkel reached the 300th Test dismissal, becoming only the fifth South African to reach the milestone.

Rabada, following the wicket of Warner, dismissed Starc and Cummins to aggravate the Australian miseries. Philander also chipped in by removing Barncroft and Mitchell Marsh from the equation.

SA v AUS, 3rd Test, Cape Town: South Africa assert their dominance with the ball 3

Things were looking bleak for the visitors with the score at 175 and only two wickets in hand. Aussies still trailed by 133 and were in danger of conceding a massive lead.

However, the following the trend of the series, the game saw an exciting turnaround with a priceless partnership between Tim Paine and Nathan Lyon off 66 runs in no time

The spinner fell three short of a magnificent counter-attacking half-century which frustrated South Africa beyond measures.

Morne Morkel, South Africa, Retire, Australia, Test Series,
Morne Morkel is looking forward to take care of his family. Photo Credit: Getty Images.

At stumps on Day 2, Australia ended up with registering 245 on the board and trailing by 66 runs. Tim Paine remained unbeaten at his end on a resolute 33.

Here’s a look at how Twitter reacted

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Shubro Mukherjee

Cricket and Soccer. wannabe globe-trotter. Savage author.

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