Third Test Day Two: Australia Edge Ahead in Cape Town

Australia have moved into a strong position in the third Test against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town, reaching 330 for 4 by the close of play on day two.

The decider follows a series that has been finely poised. South Africa won the ODI series 2-1, and Australia took the first Test by 214 runs. South Africa hit back in the second Test, winning by an innings and 31 runs.

South Africa batted first after losing the toss. Aiden Markram and MJ Ackermann gave them a strong start with a 158-run opening partnership. Ackermann was out for 95, hitting 12 fours and two sixes. Markram fell for 78, including 11 boundaries, and David Bedingham added 45 for the second wicket.

The innings then lost momentum, with six wickets falling for 232. Ryan Rickelton and Marco Jansen added 95 for the seventh wicket to lift the total past 300. The innings ended at 329 when the seventh wicket fell at 327.

Mitchell Starc took six wickets for 72 runs in 16.3 overs. Nathan Lyon took two, while Josh Hazlewood and Cooper Connolly took one wicket each.

Australia's innings started with a 58-run opening stand between Travis Head and Matt Renshaw. Head was out for 41 and Marnus Labuschagne for 0 in the 18th over. Renshaw and Cameron Green then put on 126 for the third wicket. Renshaw fell for 74 with 10 fours at 184, and Green was out for 65 soon after.

Josh Inglis (unbeaten 85) and Alex Carey (unbeaten 51) added 145 for the fifth wicket. Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer have two wickets each for South Africa.