Inglis century puts Australia ahead as South Africa close 140-4 in decider

Australia finished day three of the deciding third Test in Cape Town with South Africa 140-4 in their second innings, leading by only 40 runs. Josh Inglis' century had helped the tourists establish a 100-run first-innings advantage before their bowlers removed four South African batters, according to BBC Sport and Sky Sports.

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Inglis made 102 for his second Test hundred as Australia reached 429 in reply to South Africa's 329. Sky Sports reported that his innings came from 135 deliveries and included a fifth-wicket partnership of 185 with Alex Carey. That stand helped Australia move ahead before Simon Harmer dismissed Inglis, ending the century-maker's contribution.

Mitchell Starc then removed Aiden Markram for one, caught by Travis Head, and Marques Ackerman for 62, caught by Cameron Green. David Bedingham made 11 before Nathan Lyon caught him off Josh Hazlewood. The ICC scorecard recorded Starc's figures as 2-29, while Hazlewood had taken 1-37 at the close of play.

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma offered resistance with 35 from 115 balls, hitting just one boundary. BBC Sport reported that he and Matthew Breetzke batted together for 17.3 overs before Lyon dismissed Bavuma shortly before stumps. Australia captain Pat Cummins had brought in a silly point, and Bavuma attempted to force the ball through the leg side. His departure left the hosts four wickets down overnight.

Earlier, Harmer had helped South Africa limit Australia's advantage by taking 4-104, including the wickets of Inglis and Carey, who scored 80. The hosts claimed Australia's last six wickets for 99 runs, BBC Sport reported. That recovery kept the first-innings deficit to 100, but South Africa's subsequent loss of top-order wickets prevented them from building a substantial lead by the close.

Breetzke was unbeaten on 19 and Ryan Rickelton on eight after 47 overs of South Africa's second innings, according to the ICC scorecard. Wiaan Mulder and Marco Jansen were still to bat. With six wickets remaining and two scheduled days left, South Africa could still increase the target; Australia had gained an advantage, but neither the match nor the series had been decided.