South Africa's hopes of fighting back in the decisive third Test against Australia were damaged by careless dismissals on day three at Cape Town.
After bowling Australia out for 429 in the first innings, despite a century from Josh Inglis, South Africa began their second innings trailing by exactly 100 runs. The Proteas reached 140 for four at stumps, leading by only 40 runs.
Opener Aiden Markram fell for one, driving Mitchell Starc straight to mid-off where Travis Head took a simple catch. David Bedingham was dismissed for 11, repeating the pull shot that had cost him his wicket in the first innings, this time caught by Josh Hazlewood off Starc.
Former South Africa bowler Vernon Philander described Bedingham's dismissal as "absolutely soft," noting he had fallen to the same ploy twice in the match. Former captain Graeme Smith criticized Bedingham's technique, saying he "never looks in the right position to play the pull or hook shot."
Captain Temba Bavuma had batted patiently for 115 balls, scoring 35 with one boundary, before being dismissed in the final minutes of the day. Australia captain Pat Cummins introduced a silly point for Nathan Lyon, tempting Bavuma into a forced shot through mid-wicket.
Marques Ackerman top-scored with 65 before being bounced out by Starc. Matthew Breetzke and Ryan Rickelton remain at the crease, with Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen and the tail to follow.
Simon Harmer took four for 104 for South Africa, dismissing Inglis (102) and Alex Carey (80) earlier in the day. Australia hold the advantage heading into day four, with any chase over 200 likely to be challenging on a turning pitch.
