A further 14 wickets fell as the Proteas were bowled out for just 138 in their first innings, with Australian captain Pat Cummins leading the charge with a superb 6 for 28. The Proteas resumed their innings on 43/4 on Wednesday morning and fought their way to 121/5 by lunch.

However, after the break, the Proteas collapsed, losing their remaining five wickets for only 17 runs. David Bedingham top-scored with 45, while captain Temba Bavuma added 36.

In the process of dismantling South Africa’s batting line-up, Cummins became just the eighth Australian bowler to take 300 or more Test wickets.

Faced with a tough situation, South Africa responded brilliantly with the ball and, thanks to some excellent seam bowling, had Australia under serious pressure. The Proteas had the defending champions in all sorts of trouble at 73/7 after 24.5 overs, with most of the danger men already back in the changeroom.

Klerksdorp-born Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed by Marco Jansen for 22, while Steve Smith was trapped lbw by Lungi Ngidi for 13. Travis Head was bowled for 9 by Wiaan Mulder, and Beau Webster, who top-scored with 72 in the first innings, also fell lbw to Ngidi for 9.

David Bedingham. Photo: Cricinfo

Wicketkeeper Alex Carey offered some resistance with a quickfire 43 off 50 deliveries before he too was trapped lbw by Kagiso Rabada.

At stumps, Australia were 144/8, with Mitchell Starc unbeaten on 16 and Nathan Lyon not out on 1.

Ngidi was the Proteas’ best bowler with figures of 3 for 35, while Rabada also impressed with 3 for 44.

Speaking after the day’s play, Bedingham said the Proteas are confident they can chase down a target, but first, they need to bowl Australia out cheaply.

“We’re very confident. I think the batters will have their plans,” said the Western Province player.

“But yeah, I think it was an amazing day. When they started their second innings, I definitely think we had them – maybe 220 for 8 or even better. So yes, we’re confident, and there’s massive belief in this team.”

Australian skipper Cummins, meanwhile, said his side isn’t backing down.

“Ideally, we’d have a few more wickets in hand, but the way the game is going, runs are hard to come by and it’s still pretty tough out there,” said Cummins.

“So, I think it’s set up nicely for a result on day three. But we’ll still need to bowl well in the fourth innings.”

Play resumes on Friday morning at 11:30, with Starc and Lyon at the crease.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek