Inglis shines as Australia take slender lead over South Africa in third Test
Inglis remained unbeaten on 85, while Carey was not out on 51 as the visitors strengthened their position heading into the third day
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Australia's Josh Inglis led the scoring with 85 off 111 deliveries, featuring 11 fours and two sixes.
Cricket Australia
Josh Inglis produced an aggressive unbeaten half-century to put Australia in a commanding position against South Africa on the second day of the third and final Test at Newlands on Wednesday.
Supported by valuable contributions from Matt Renshaw, Cameron Green and Alex Carey, Australia reached 330/4 at stumps after 90 overs, securing a narrow one-run lead over South Africa’s first-innings total of 329.
Inglis remained unbeaten on 85, while Carey was not out on 51 as the visitors strengthened their position heading into the third day.
How did Australia recover from early setbacks?
Australia began their innings in response to South Africa’s 329 all out, with openers Travis Head and Renshaw providing a steady start through a 58-run partnership.
However, off-spinner Simon Harmer turned the momentum in South Africa’s favour by striking twice in the 18th over. Head departed for 41 off 49 balls, including seven boundaries, before Harmer dismissed Marnus Labuschagne for a five-ball duck.
The double breakthrough left Australia under pressure, but Renshaw and Green responded with a crucial partnership that shifted the balance of the contest.
How did Renshaw and Green rebuild the innings?
Renshaw and Green combined for 126 runs for the third wicket, frustrating South Africa’s bowlers and restoring stability to Australia’s innings.
Renshaw scored 74 from 139 deliveries, hitting 10 fours, while Green contributed 65 off 110 balls, striking eight boundaries and two sixes.
Both batters fell in quick succession, but their efforts laid the foundation for Australia to move ahead of South Africa’s total.
Can Inglis and Carey extend Australia’s advantage?
Inglis and Carey took charge after the dismissals, putting together an unbeaten partnership that left Australia firmly in control.
Inglis led the scoring with 85 off 111 deliveries, featuring 11 fours and two sixes. Carey adopted a patient approach, reaching 51 not out from 126 balls.
For South Africa, Harmer and Marco Jansen claimed two wickets apiece, but the hosts face a challenging task to regain control on day three.
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