Twitter Reactions: Australia in firm command despite second innings collapse on day 3

Team Australia extended their domination in the first Test against South Africa. The visitors had managed to bundle out the hosts for a paltry 162 in the first innings. Riding on a magnificent bowling spell of 5/34 by Mitchell Starc, the Aussies assumed a firm grip on the game with a first innings lead of 189 runs. Earlier in the game, the Australian innings had wrapped up on 351 on day 2 after Mitch Marsh had top scored with 96 to his name.

Coming to the third day, the Australian side hoped to consolidate their grip on the game even more. Much to their delight, and to the disappointment of the South African team, they ended the day 3 as the superior side. All of this perspired despite the fact that team Australia failed to put up a big score on the board. It was their first innings lead that saw them finish the day with a lead over 400 runs.

Coming to the day’s play, the Australian openers Cameron Bancroft and David Warner started off on a decent note by adding 56 runs for the opening stand. Kagiso Rabada provided the first breakthrough for South Africa by dismissing Warner on 28. Usman Khawaja (6) perished cheaply soon after with Keshav Maharaj coming to the act.

Steven Smith (38) and Shaun Marsh (33) showed brief resistance after Bancroft was dismissed after scoring 53. Mitch Marsh, who had top scored in the first innings failed to get into the double digits on the day. Wickets kept tumbling for Australia with no notable mentions of high scores.

By the end of the day’s play, Australia finished with 213/9 before the bad light stopped play. The hosts would have certainly liked to continue for a little longer to wrap up the final Aussie wicket as well. The Australian lead stands tall with a number as high as 402. Needless to concede, it is only going to get tougher for the hosts from hereon.

Here is how the fans reacted to the day’s play in Durban:

For the latest cricket news, follow CricTracker.