CAPE TOWN : Matt Renshaw and Cameron Green scored half-centuries before falling in quick succession as Australia reached 191-4 at tea on the second day of the decisive third test against South Africa at Newlands on Wednesday.
Australia trailed South Africa’s first-innings total of 329 by 138 runs, with Josh Inglis unbeaten on five and Alex Carey on one at the interval.
Renshaw top-scored with 74, while Green made 65 as the pair shared a 126-run partnership for the third wicket to steady Australia’s innings.
South Africa spinner Simon Harmer struck with his first delivery of the match, removing Travis Head for 41 after the opener and Renshaw had put on 58 for the first wicket. Head chopped the ball onto his stumps while playing off the back foot.
Harmer then dismissed Marnus Labuschagne for a duck, with Aiden Markram taking the catch at slip to extend the Australian batter’s poor run in test cricket.
Fast bowler Marco Jansen broke Australia’s resistance by dismissing Renshaw, caught behind by wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton, before Green edged to Harmer at slip. Jansen had figures of 2-28, while Harmer took 2-43.
The three-test series is level at 1-1 after Australia won the opener by 214 runs in Durban before South Africa responded with an innings and 31-run victory in Gqeberha.
The winner of the series-deciding match will claim the number one position in the test world rankings, currently held by Australia.
