Vintage attack (and Smith’s safe hands) put Australia in command

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 12, 2026

Australia dominated the third day of the first Test against South Africa at Kingsmead, extending their lead to 139 runs with all ten second-innings wickets intact, thanks to Pat Cummins’ bowling and Steve Smith’s record-breaking slip catches. With limited playing time remaining and a flat pitch reducing swing, Australia may adopt an aggressive declaration strategy to try and secure a victory within the next two days.

Australia asserted firm control over the first Test against South Africa on the third day at Kingsmead, Durban, building on a first-innings lead of 106 runs and closing the day with a 139-run advantage and ten second-innings wickets in hand. The visitors' bowling attack, led by Pat Cummins, was instrumental in restricting South Africa’s batting lineup, while Steve Smith’s sharp slip-fielding added to the visitors’ dominance.

Cummins claimed three wickets for 54 runs, supported by two wickets each from Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Nathan Lyon, as South Africa’s batsmen struggled to build substantial innings. None of the home side’s lineup managed to reach a half-century, underscoring their difficulties against the Australian attack. Steve Smith complemented the bowlers with four catches in the slips, three of which reflected outstanding reflexes and anticipation. With these dismissals, Smith surpassed Joe Root’s record, moving to the top of the list for catches by a nonwicketkeeper in Test cricket with 223.

Australia’s bowlers exploited movement off the pitch despite limited swing, maintaining pressure throughout the South African innings. South Africa resumed the day at 27 for one, with Aiden Markram and David Bedingham initially adding 84 runs for the second wicket. However, the visitors seized the momentum, dismissing Markram for 37 and quickly taking three more wickets before lunch. Wiaan Mulder’s dismissal shortly after the break was a pivotal moment, stemming from an aggressive delivery by Cummins that induced a miscued shot, leading to a catch at midwicket.

Following Mulder’s wicket, Cummins struck again, trapping Tristan Stubbs caught by Hazlewood at fine leg. Lyon’s entry into the attack added further pressure, and Smith’s notable catch off Kyle Verreynne’s reverse-sweep contributed to South Africa’s steady collapse.

The South African middle and lower order failed to mount a significant resistance, contrasting with Matt Renshaw’s disciplined 190 in Australia’s first innings, which had afforded the bowlers valuable rest. The hosts’ tailenders Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer briefly resisted with a 52-run partnership for the ninth wicket, and Harmer added a further 35 runs alongside Anrich Nortje.

Australia began their second innings early, with Nic Maddinson, recalled to the side after a first-innings duck, responding confidently. Maddinson quickly reached the boundary off Marco Jansen and added a six in the same over, his first runs in Test cricket since December 2016.

The composition of the Australian bowling lineup, all of whom are over 30 and have extensive Test experience, continues to be a strength. Cummins, Lyon, Hazlewood, and Starc have collectively taken over 300 wickets and have been managed carefully to maintain fitness amid a demanding schedule, with an eye on the upcoming Ashes series.

As play has been repeatedly shortened due to bad light across the first three days, Australia faces the challenge of securing a sufficient lead to dismiss South Africa twice within the remaining two days. The flattening surface and lack of conventional swing suggest the Australians may consider a more aggressive declaration strategy to maximize their available time.

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.