Australia lead South Africa by 139 after Cummins and Smith shine in Durban

Australia ended the third day of the first Test in Durban with a 139-run lead after dismissing South Africa for 284 and reaching 33 without loss in their second innings. BBC Sport reported that Pat Cummins returned figures of 3–54, while Steve Smith took three catches as the tourists strengthened their position. Bad light brought play to an early close with two days remaining.

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Matt Renshaw's first-innings 190 had helped Australia make 390, leaving South Africa with a substantial total to answer. The hosts reached 82–1 as Aiden Markram and David Bedingham built a second-wicket partnership at almost four and a half runs per over. Bedingham eventually made 49, South Africa's highest score, while Markram contributed 37. Australia took a 106-run first-innings advantage before extending it without losing a wicket.

Cummins altered his attack around the 20-over mark, using Nathan Lyon from one end and rotating the fast bowlers from the other. Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Cummins reduced the number of full deliveries, and both Markram and Bedingham edged attempted back-foot drives to the slips. Starc, Hazlewood and Lyon finished with two wickets each alongside their captain's three.

South Africa also lost wickets to attacking shots against the seamers. Cummins dismissed Wiaan Mulder with a short delivery and had Tristan Stubbs caught at fine leg. Marco Jansen struck six boundaries in reaching 26, but his attempt to pull Hazlewood ended in a catch at mid-off. By the end of the 60th over, the home side had slipped to 214–8.

Smith's fielding supported both the pace and spin attacks. He caught Temba Bavuma and Kyle Verreynne at close range after anticipating reverse sweeps against Lyon, and took Bedingham's edge at second slip off Cummins. According to BBC Sport, Smith finished the day with 223 Test catches, moving ahead of Joe Root to lead the all-time list among non-wicketkeepers by three.

Lyon delivered 19 overs at fewer than three runs per over, helping restrict South Africa alongside the wicket-taking seamers. Australia's opening pair then added 33, with Nic Maddinson unbeaten on 17 when play stopped. The visitors will resume with all ten second-innings wickets intact, but the match remains unfinished after another day interrupted by poor light.