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NEW YORK Sunday, October 11, 2026

Africa

Australia take three wickets in opening session of Test against South Africa

Australia's strong start in the Test leaves South Africa in a precarious position.

New York Editorial News Desk October 11, 2026 1 min read

The Brief

  • Australia dismissed three South African batsmen before lunch on the third day.
  • South Africa trails by 275 runs after scoring 115 for four.
  • Key wickets came from Steve Smith's catches and Nathan Lyon's first wicket of the series.

Australia took control of the first Test against South Africa with three wickets before lunch on the third day, leaving the hosts at 115 for four. The match was played at Kingsmead in Durban.

South Africa, still 275 runs behind Australia's first innings total of 390, face a difficult challenge with Tristan Stubbs on 14 and Wiaan Mulder on seven not out.

The hosts resumed at 27-1 overnight, but Aiden Markram, captain Temba Bavuma, and David Bedingham were all dismissed on loose shots. Steve Smith took two smart catches in the slips.

Markram was caught by Matt Renshaw at first slip for 37 after attempting to drive Mitch Starc. Bavuma was dismissed for three runs after an injudicious reverse sweep, caught by Smith.

Smith also took a diving catch to dismiss Bedingham for 49 as he attempted a back foot drive to a rising ball from Pat Cummins.

Australia nearly had another wicket before lunch when Mulder looked caught by Marnus Labuschagne off Lyon, but the umpire reversed the decision after television review showed the ball hit the deck before the catch.

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