Welcome to our live coverage of day four of the first men's Test between South Africa and Australia at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. Australia currently lead by 139 runs with all ten wickets in hand, and they will look to build on their advantage as South Africa aim to fight back.
Day Four: Live Updates
The day began with Australia resuming their second innings at 33 without loss. The visitors are determined to extend their lead and put themselves in a commanding position. South Africa, on the other hand, need early breakthroughs to stay in the contest.
After a solid start, Australia's openers looked comfortable against the new ball. However, South Africa's bowlers, led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, kept probing and eventually got the breakthrough. The pitch is showing signs of variable bounce, which could make batting increasingly difficult as the day progresses.
As the day unfolds, the key question is whether South Africa can restrict Australia to a lead under 250, which would give their batsmen a realistic target to chase. Given the challenging batting conditions, anything above 300 could be daunting.
Session Breakdown
| Session | Overs | Runs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | 30 | 85 | 2 |
| Afternoon | 35 | 110 | 3 |
| Evening | 25 | 70 | 1 |
At the time of writing, Australia are 265/6, leading by 404 runs. South Africa's bowlers have fought hard, but Australia's middle order has dug in. The game is finely poised, with South Africa needing to wrap up the innings quickly to have any chance of chasing down the target.
Key Takeaways
- Australia lead by 139 runs at the start of day four.
- South Africa need early wickets to stay in the game.
- Variable bounce is making batting challenging.
- Australia's lower order could add crucial runs.
- South Africa's batsmen must apply themselves in the fourth innings.
Player Performances
For Australia, Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne have been the backbone of the innings, scoring gritty half-centuries. Smith's experience has been vital in guiding the lower order. For South Africa, Rabada has been the standout bowler, consistently hitting speeds over 140 km/h and extracting bounce.
South Africa's batting in the first innings was disappointing, with only Temba Bavuma showing resistance. They will need a much-improved performance in the second innings if they are to level the series.
FAQ
What is the current score?
Australia are 265/6 in their second innings, leading by 404 runs.
Who are the key players for South Africa?
Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen are the key bowlers, while Temba Bavuma leads the batting.
What is the weather forecast for day four?
The forecast is for sunny conditions, but bad light may still be a factor in the evening session.
Stay tuned for more updates as the day progresses. South Africa will need a monumental effort to get back into this Test match.