Source : the age
Labuschagne is shaking his head after the third umpire overturns his claim for a slip catch off Mulder in the final over before lunch.
It looked clean live, and Mulder started walking, but slowed-down replays inevitably add some doubt and Richard Illingworth decides there’s enough evidence the ball touched the turf before settling fully in Labuschagne’s hands.
That’s a tricky one, but the small Durban crowd rejoices at the not out decision after a difficult morning for the Proteas.
Marnus and Lyon are shaking their heads a little as they head in for lunch but, to me, the not out call over that low slips catch seemed pretty fair to me.
“It was taken, but on the half volley,” Mark Waugh quipped on Kayo Sports.
“It was close. He was standing too deep, Marnus. I’m wondering why Steve Smith wasn’t at first slip instead. It’s a game of inches isn’t it?”
The Aussies have turned this session into a win taking three wickets but they have given up quite a few runs.
We will see if Lyon can cause more carnage after lunch.
Lyon looked to have had Mulder caught at slip but the catch was low to the ground, so the umpire asked for a review.
Labuschagne get his hands low but his body put a shadow over the ball which made it hard to review clearly but one front angle appeared to show the ball on the ground.
It seemed a fair enough call despite Marnus believing he had taken the catch.
SA 4-114.
Tristan Stubbs hit a lovely driving boundary in recent overs, but the Aussies continue to ask some serious questions of the Proteas’ middle order.
Lyon has just left the ground after an over but was back, holding a drink just minutes later. I’m guessing he needed a bathroom break.
Hazlewood is back on to bowl and his skipper will want him to keep the pressure up.
There are still around 15 minutes until lunch, so more wickets are there for the taking.
SA 4-110, trailing by 280 with Stubbs 13 and Mulder 3
Australia are rolling now.
All members of the attack have a wicket and Steve Smith has contributed a pair of very sharp catches.
Australia’s bowling has been very tight and intelligent, accompanied by alertness in the field.
Skipper Bavuma was done by Lyon’s bounce when trying to reverse sweep, while Markram and Bedingham edged rising deliveries they tried to force through the off side.
The significance of Renshaw’s innings grows with every wicket.
South Africa are 4-99 from 31 overs, still 291 behind.
Pat Cummins powered in with another bouncing ball and after being stuck on 48 for an eternity, Bedingham lifted his bat and nicked it into the slips.
Smith has the world record for catches on 221 although I’m sure Root will be seeking out more catches once England get back into the Test arena.
South Africa are 4-99 with Mulder and Stubbs at the crease.
That Smith catch is drawing plenty of praise but he has also earned himself a slice of history as he draws level with Joe Root on 220 Test catches.
Steve Smith anticipated a reverse sweep from Bavuma and he bolted across in time to take a sensational catch off Lyon’s bowling.
Bavuma is out for three and the Aussies have struck a major blow against the Proteas.
SA 3-93.
Bavuma is on three runs from 25 balls as Lyon and now Cummins attack him but he is known for slow starts and absorbing pressure from bowlers.
Lyon forced some misses in his last over while Cummins is trying to find some bounce.
It’s a big moment in this match, meanwhile, Bedingham is still on 48 and stuck at the other end.
SA 2-93 from 27 overs.
The first hour has shown Australia that it will be tough work to get through the Proteas on day three, but they’re not without some evidence of chances to come.
Cummins and Starc both bowled quick and it was vital for Starc to find a way past Aiden Markram, the World Test Championship centurion at Lord’s.
Lyon has also found some purchase, and provided he drops onto the right length, there is the prospect of wickets.
