By Islam El-Sakka
Australia seized the initiative in the decisive third Test against South Africa at Newlands, finishing day two on 330 for four to lead by one run after an unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 145 between Josh Inglis and Alex Carey.
Inglis and Carey forge match-turning partnership
Inglis, drafted in for the injured Steve Smith, remained unbeaten on 85 while Carey was 51 not out as the pair batted through the final session without further loss. The Newlands surface offered little assistance to the South African pace attack, allowing all Australian batters except Marnus Labuschagne, who fell for a duck, to contribute.
Early wickets fail to stem flow
Matt Renshaw and Travis Head opened with a 58-run stand before Head was bowled by Simon Harmer for 41. Labuschagne's lean run continued when he edged Harmer to slip. Renshaw and Cameron Green then added 126 for the third wicket before both fell to Marco Jansen, Renshaw caught behind and Green edging to slip.
Series poised for winner-takes-all finish
The three-match series is level at 1-1 after Australia won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs and South Africa responded with an innings and 31-run victory in Gqeberha. The winner of this match will claim the number one spot in the ICC Test rankings, currently held by Australia.
