Australia go ahead on day two

Australia found themselves 330-4 with a one-run lead and six wickets in hand after four half-centuries put South Africa under pressure in the deciding third test at Newlands on Wednesday.

Josh Inglis, unbeaten on 85, and Alex Carey, 51 not out, added an unbroken 145 after the Proteas had threatened a fightback.

Australia started their innings with the bat at the beginning of the day after bowling South Africa out for 329 at the end of day one thanks to Mitchell Starc’s six-wicket burst.

Matt Renshaw, 74, and Travis Head, 41, put on 58 for the first wicket before Simon Harmer, 2-84, struck twice in his first over to remove Head and Marnus Labuschagne for a duck.

Renshaw and Cameron Green, 65, then added 126 from 191 balls to take Australia to 185-2.

Marco Jansen sparked hope for the hosts with a fiery spell of 2-3 in five overs to leave Australia 185-4 at tea, but Inglis and Carey batted through the final session.

Kagiso Rabada, struggling with stomach cramps, went wicketless, leaving Temba Bavuma’s side facing the possibility of a big first-innings deficit with three days still to play.