Live cricket scores: Australia look to pile on the pain and take game away from South Africa on day four
Australia took complete control of the contest on day three against South Africa but they have work to do to set a big total for the home side to chase in the fourth innings. Follow the action with our blog.
Australia took complete control of the contest on day three against South Africa but they have work to do to set a big total for the home side to chase in the fourth innings.
Nic Maddinson made up for lost time after his 33-ball duck to close day three while Travis Head was also aggressive.
Can they continue their onslaught, or will South Africa give themselves hope with some quick wickets?
Follow the action with our blog.
Aaron Kirby is reporting live.
One-minded
Nortje comes on and everything is short.
When he gets it right, it’s frightening but he dug the ball in too much that over and it’s harmless.
AUS 4-165
More and more
This pitch is beginning to take more and more spin as the overs go on.
The Australians are using sweeps to score but they find the odd spot of trouble with extra bounce and spin.
Renshaw still looks assured and has taken his runs total for the Test above 200.
AUS 4-161 - lead by 267
Timely
Labuschagne fails to make even a half century again.
He makes another 37 but gets caught at cover trying to force Maharaj to the rope through the off-side.
The elusive century must wait again but they won’t drop him after two solid contributions.
AUS 4-157
Settled down
Renshaw and Labuschagne have just set up shop for a minute, happy to milk the singles.
The Aussies are nearly at the 150-mark and there’s still half an hour left in this first session.
AUS 3-148
Change of tactic
Australia are upping the ante here, but not overly smartly.
Renshaw tried a big slog sweep despite the protection being on the leg side and got an edge between keeper and slip to get off the mark with a boundary.
They are worried about the bad light but we still have two days play.
AUS 3-134 - lead by 239
Not this time
Smith tried to go big again but this time the reach of Jansen was too much.
He went slightly wider of mid-on but after a bobble, the big South African completes the catch.
Probably not needed by Smith but he was trying to set the tone.
Renshaw returns to the wicket!
AUS 3-125
Cleared it!
Smith brings up the 50-run partnership with a great six!
He goes down the wicket to Harmer and pins the ears back over deep mid-on.
Giant Marco Jansen was back there but it went straight over his head.
AUS 2-125
Interest
Labuschagne is hit in the pads while sweeping Harmer and they send it upstairs.
It turned a bit and was proved to be going down leg side by a fair bit.
AUS 2-118
Drinks
Australia have made it through the first hour two down but leading by more than 200.
Labuschagne and Smith are looking strong together and are working over the spinners.
This is set up for the pair to have a strong partnership and find form together for the rest of the series.
AUS 2-111
Branching out
Nortje is getting tired already and just the few extra km/h less has allowed Labuschagne and Smith to free the arms.
They have scored four boundaries in six balls against him and the lead is past 200.
2-96
