Australia’s Nathan Lyon, center, celebrates with his teammates after dismissing South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma (AP Photo)
The South African captain, who had battled for 115 balls to score 35, attempted to work Lyon towards the leg side but missed the delivery, which went through the gap between bat and pad to hit the stumps. Ackerman, who had scored 95 in the first innings, struck another half-century off 64 balls and appeared set for a substantial contribution before Starc dismissed him for 62. Bavuma’s departure came with only five minutes left in the day’s play. South Africa’s middle order briefly restored some stability through Bavuma and Marques Ackerman. A short ball from the Australian pacer struck Ackerman’s helmet grille before carrying to slip.
Nathan Lyon struck a crucial blow just before the close of play, dismissing South Africa captain Temba Bavuma to strengthen Australia’s position in the series-deciding third Test at Newlands on Thursday.
Starc finished the day with figures of 2/29 and had taken eight wickets in the match. Josh Inglis continued from his overnight score of 85 not out to register his second Test century, reaching the landmark off 132 deliveries. His innings included 11 fours and two sixes. Both his Test hundreds have come overseas, with his first being a 102 on debut in Sri Lanka last year. The three-match series is level at 1-1. Australia won the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs before South Africa bounced back with an innings-and-31-run victory in Gqeberha.
Australia will look to press home its advantage when play resumes, with the pitch expected to become increasingly difficult for batting. The third Test will decide the series.