Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon struck to leave the hosts 140-4 at stumps

Last updated: October 29, 2026 | 23:19

Australia's Josh Inglis raises his bat and helmet to celebrate after scoring a century on day three of the third Test match against South Africa at Newlands stadium in Cape Town on October 29, 2026. AFP

Cape Town: Australia's chances of winning their series against world Test champions South Africa soared on the third day of the decider against South Africa at Newlands on Thursday.

South Africa were reeling at 140 for four at the close, just 40 runs ahead with six wickets remaining.

"It's really satisfying," said Australian centurion Josh Inglis, singling out Nathan Lyon's dismissal of South African captain Temba Bavuma in the penultimate over of the day.

Bavuma had battled for almost three hours, scoring 35, before he tried to whip a ball from off-spinner Lyon through midwicket.…