Perth: JP Duminy (141) and Dean Elgar (127) continued the good work on Day 3 of the first Test match between Australia and South Africa being played at Western Australia Cricket Association Ground with two brilliant centuries. The two unbeaten batsmen from Day 2 frustrated the Aussies with a stupendous 246-run partnership for the third wicket.
Over 126 | Score 351/5 | (De Kock 16*, Philander 23*)
STUMPS: Faf du Plessis was the next man to be dismissed as he edged one behind the wicket off Starc's bowling. After skipper's departure, Philander added some quick runs as he scored five boundaries. South Africa now lead by 388 runs with four wickets remaining. Wonderful day for the visitors.
Over 115 | Score 351/5 | (Du Plessis 32*, De Kock 1*)
South Africa lost two wickets in quick succession. Batting on 127, Elgar edged one to Starc at gully while new batsman Bavuma holed one towards deep midwicket where Khawaka held on to a brilliant catch running towards his left. Skipper Du Plessis is now batting on 32 and De Kock, who was the highest scorer for the team in the first innings is there to give him company.
T Bavuma c Khawaja b MR Marsh 8 (18b)
D Elgar c Starc b Hazlewood 127 (316b)
Over 105 | Score 321/3 | (Elgar 126*, Du Plessis 12*)
After Duminy's dismissal, Elgar and skipper Faf du Plessis have kept the scoreboard moving. Surprisingly, Nathan Lyon has bowled very few overs in the day as Smith seems to be more confident in his seamers to get him breakthroughs.
Over 94.3 | Score 295/3 | (Elgar 112*)
Australia finally got their first breakthrough of the day when Duminy edged one behind the wicket. Siddle offered him width and he went after it, there was a big noise as the ball passed the bat, but the umpire thought it was not out. There was no sign in the hot-spot but the snicko showed a spike. End of a brilliant innings. The wicket also ends the 250-run stand for the third wicket.
JP Duminy c Nevill b Siddle 141 (225b)
Over 88 | Score 281/2 | (Elgar 103*, Duminy 136*)
After Duminy, it was time for Elgar to joined the party as the left-hander reached his fifth Test ton. Elgar drove Lyon through covers to bring up his century. Steve Smith is looking short of ideas now. Not to forget, Elgar was dropped on 81 by Starc at long-off. The stand for the third wicket is now worth 236 runs.
Over 74 | Score 218/2 | (Elgar 77*, Duminy 101*)
JP Duminy has hit his fifth Test ton. After lunch, the left-hander decided to have a go at the Australian bowlers as he scored several boundaries through the off-side through some elegant drives. 173 runs have been scored between these two for the third wicket. Steve Smith needs one of his bowlers to strike as soon as possible.
Over 66 | Score 183/2 | (Elgar 69*, Duminy 74*)
LUNCH: What a session for South Africa! Elgar and Duminy, the two unbeaten batsmen from Day 2, made sure the visitors don't lose any more wickets in the first session of Day 3. After scoring runs quickly in the first half of the session, the two left-handers were cautious as the first session came to an end. Australian bowlers have bowled some decent deliveries and Steve Smith would be hoping for some change in fortune in the second session.
Over 60 | Score 140/2 | (Elgar 68*, Duminy 64*)
Australia continue to search for their first breakthrough of the day as Elgar and Duminy continue to impress. The two left-handers haven't given any chances to the hosts, who are desperately looking for another wicket. The Aussie bowlers have also been slightly unlucky as they have bowled some superb deliveri, but the result hasn't gone their way. The partnership for the third wicket is now worth 123 runs.
Over 48 | Score 140/2 | (Elgar 57*, Duminy 52*)
Elgar and Duminy have continued the good work so far in the morning session. Duminy hit a beautiful straight drive for a boundary to reach his fifty off 90 balls. Batting at number four, Duminy has looked very confident at the crease and it was crucial from South Africa's perspective that he found rhythm early in the series.
In what is a major blow for South Africa, Dale Steyn has been ruled out of the rest of the series due to a bone fracture in the shoulder.
In reply to South Africa`s 242, Australia were cruising at 158 for none early on day two, but then lost all 10 wickets for just 86 runs to lead by only two after the first innings.
It all started after Steyn dismissed Warner for 97.
At stumps on the second day, the visitors were 104 for two, an overall lead of 102 and arguably in the favoured position in the match, which seemed unthinkable 24 hours earlier.
Dean Elgar was unbeaten on 46 and JP Duminy was on 34.
Tha pair had added 59 after the Proteas lost two early second innings wickets, but their remarkable fightback was soured by news that Steyn would miss the remainder of the series.
