Lyon’s late strike leaves South Africa precariously placed at 140-4

By the Editorial Team · Friday, October 30, 2026

Nathan Lyon's late wicket of South Africa captain Temba Bavuma helped Australia strengthen their position on the third day of the third ICC World Test Championship match at Newlands, with South Africa ending at 140 for 4 and holding a narrow 40-run lead. The tightly contested match remains balanced as South Africa looks to build on their slender advantage on day four, while Australia aims to capitalize on a strong batting performance led by Josh Inglis's unbeaten century.

Nathan Lyon's late breakthrough dismissed South Africa captain Temba Bavuma as Australia fortified their position on the third day of the third ICC World Test Championship match at Newlands, Cape Town. At stumps, South Africa stood at 140 for 4 in their second innings, holding a slender 40-run lead over Australia.

The hosts resumed the day trailing by 100 runs and faced early setbacks when Mitchell Starc dismissed Aiden Markram in South Africa’s third over. Josh Hazlewood quickly followed by removing David Bedingham, intensifying the pressure on the home side. However, a steadying 64-run partnership between Marques Ackerman and Bavuma for the third wicket helped stabilize the innings. Ackerman, South Africa’s highest scorer in the first innings, notched his second half-century of the match before Starc ended the partnership by claiming his wicket. Lyon then struck late in the day, dismissing Bavuma in the penultimate over.

Australia, having resumed the day at 330 for 4, were eventually bowled out for 429. Josh Inglis led the charge with an impressive century, finishing unbeaten on 102, supported by Alex Carey’s 80 runs and Usman Khawaja’s 74. This effort established a crucial 100-run lead for the visitors.

For South Africa, Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer shared seven wickets between them during Australia’s innings. Harmer recorded figures of 4 for 104, while Jansen took 3 for 60. Jansen’s rise in form continues to be notable, as he now leads both the ICC Men’s Test Bowling Rankings and the Test All-Rounders Rankings.

At stumps, South Africa had Matthew Breetzke unbeaten on 19 and Ryan Rickelton not out on eight, with the match finely poised as the fourth day loomed. The Proteas must negotiate the remaining sessions to build on their lead and maintain pressure on the touring Australian side.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.