Durban hosted an intense third day in the opening Test of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 series between South Africa and Australia, as the Proteas mounted a resilient fightback after early setbacks to keep the match closely contested.

Australia had established a commanding first-innings total of 390 runs on Day 2, heavily bolstered by Matt Renshaw’s impressive 190-run innings. South Africa resumed Day 3 at 27 for one, trailing by 363 runs. The home side’s innings began to stabilize through a patient partnership between Aiden Markram and David Bedingham, who added 84 runs together. Markram was eventually dismissed for 37 runs from 67 deliveries, including seven boundaries, after a successful bowling effort involving Renshaw and Mitchell Starc.

The Australian fielding unit continued to apply pressure, with Steve Smith showcasing exceptional catching skills. Smith took two crucial catches: one to dismiss South African captain Temba Bavuma for three runs, and a sharp slip catch that removed Bedingham for 49 runs off 73 balls. At this stage, South Africa was precariously placed at 99 for four wickets.

Wiaan Mulder and Tristan Stubbs then forged a 56-run partnership to steady the innings. Mulder contributed 30 runs, hitting two fours and a six, while Stubbs scored 32 with three boundaries. However, Australia captain Pat Cummins made significant breakthroughs by dismissing both batsmen in consecutive overs, reducing South Africa to 155 for six. The visitors remained 35 runs short of the mark required to avoid the follow-on.

In response, South Africa’s lower order delivered a gritty performance, with Marco Jansen (26), Simon Harmer (35), Keshav Maharaj (34), and Anrich Nortje (16) all contributing vital runs to extend the innings and keep the contest alive.

At stumps, Australia had begun their second innings strongly, reaching 33 without loss, with Steve Smith and Travis Head remaining at the crease on 17 not out and 10 not out, respectively. South Africa’s first innings total stood at 284. Australian bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood led the attack with figures of 3-54 and 2-54, respectively.

The match remains finely poised, with South Africa’s determined lower-order resistance ensuring a competitive balance heading into the final days of the Test.