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.
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
Problems
Marnus and Smith are struggling to get Nortje away.
The former has tried to upper-cut but it looks risky and he has not laid bat on it.
They just need to see him off. This is his first Test since 2023 and he’s already bowled a ton of spells.
He won’t be on for long.
AUS 2-77
Helmet blow
The extra pace of Nortje gets the better of Smith.
The bouncer skidded a little and thuds into the Aussie’s helmet as he tries to duck.
It left a badge of honour as well. He looks fine in the hands of docs.
AUS 2-77 - lead by 183
Stumps everywhere!
Maddinson falls two runs short of a half century but it’s no fault of his own.
Nortje delivered a stunning yorker that saw middle and off fly out of the ground.
It’s a bit unfair for Maddinson who was really making up for his 33-ball duck.
He still leaves the ground with his top Test score and at least the knowledge he can take it up to a very good Test attack, albiet on a flat deck.
AUS 2-72
Spin in
Harmer has been tossed the ball very quickly.
Mulder was bowling far too wide to be dangerous while both he and Jansen also strayed down leg side.
They are missing Rabada badly.
Maddinson doesn’t seem to mind the change, taking Harmer down town for six after he over pitched.
89-metre maximum.
AUS 1-67
Off the mark
Labuschagne gets a run with his first ball but it cost him a finger as Mulder got one to rear into his gloves.
But Australia’s lead is over 150 so they will be happy to see the pitch start misbehaving.
Maddinson looks a new man by the way.
He’s not only attacking but placing balls into the gaps for one.
So different from two days ago. A little less pressure on this though.
AUS 1-51
Giving it away
Travis Head throws his wicket down the drain.
Jansen went straight and he clipped it straight to mid-on for an easy catch.
He goes for a 11 and groaned as soon as he hit the ball.
Labuschagne is in.
AUS 1-43 - lead by 149
Maddinson nicks
Jansen gets the outside edge of Maddinson but it falls short of first slip and goes through Bedingham’s legs for four.
Maddinson has added eight runs today through the slips.
AUS 0-42
