Australia takes control of 1st cricket test vs South Africa, leads by 139 runs at stumps
DURBAN, South Africa (AP) — Australia secured a commanding 139-run lead over South Africa after day three of the first cricket test. Pat Cummins played a pivotal role in the victory with figures of 3-54. South Africa's Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon each took two wickets in their respective innings. Australia's batting lineup, led by Matt Renshaw's unbeaten 190, helped them recover from a shaky start to post a total of 390 runs.
In response, South Africa managed only 284 runs in their first innings. The next day, Australia batted first again, reaching 33-0 in just 5.4 overs at stumps. Nic Madsen and Travis Head steadied the innings, reaching 17 and 10 not out respectively. The match concluded early due to bad light, with 13 overs lost. David Bedingham was the highest scorer for South Africa with 49 runs off 73 balls.
Despite a 52-run ninth-wicket partnership between Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, South Africa ended day three at 197-8. The match is set to continue the following day.
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