Australia take control of Newlands Test decider as South Africa trail on day three

Australia held the stronger position at the close of day three of the series-deciding Test at Newlands on Thursday, with South Africa on 140 for four, a lead of 40 runs and six wickets in hand.

The biggest wicket came late. Nathan Lyon dismissed South Africa captain Temba Bavuma in the penultimate over of the day. Bavuma had batted for almost three hours and made 35. Lyon bowled 14 overs and finished with one for 31.

South Africa scored 87 runs in 34 overs in the final session, according to Gulf News. Mitchell Starc, who had taken six for 72 in the first innings, dismissed Aiden Markram and Marques Ackerman on day three. Josh Hazlewood removed David Bedingham, who was out hooking for the second time in the match.

Earlier, Australia resumed on 330 for four and were bowled out for 429. Josh Inglis completed his second Test century, finishing on 102. Spinner Simon Harmer bowled 37 overs and took four for 104 in Australia's second innings.

Inglis said he learned he was playing on the morning of the match, when Steve Smith ruled himself out with a neck injury. "It's really satisfying," Inglis said. He added: "I think we controlled the tempo really well in that last session."

Harmer said spin was playing a growing role in the contest. "I think Mitchell Starc does a pretty good job of churning up the wicket (with footmarks from his follow through as a left-arm bowler). So yeah, I definitely think that spin is probably going to come into it a lot more than it has in the first two-and-a-half days," he said.

The match continues on day four, with South Africa holding a 40-run lead with six wickets remaining.