South Africa resumed their first innings on 27/1, still trailing Australia by 363 runs, with Aiden Markram unbeaten on 15 and David Bedingham on 12.

However, the Proteas were eventually bowled out for 284, leaving them facing a significant deficit. Bedingham top-scored with 49, while Markram contributed 37.

Aiden Markram. Photo: Cricinfo

Lower down the order, spinner Simon Harmer dug deep to finish unbeaten on 35, while Keshav Maharaj showed plenty of fight with 34 as the hosts tried to narrow the gap.

Australia captain Pat Cummins led from the front with the ball, claiming 3/54. Fellow seamers Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood picked up two wickets apiece, while veteran spinner Nathan Lyon also claimed two scalps.

Two outstanding catches in the slips by Steve Smith proved particularly valuable, as he helped dismiss Proteas captain Temba Bavuma and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne.

Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince believes there are valuable lessons for the South African batters to take from their first-innings performance, particularly when it comes to dealing with Australia's relentless bowling attack.

“There’s a lot to take away from the situation, and that’s probably the biggest learning for the team. If you look at Australia’s bowling attack, they’re heavily dependent on the three seamers,” said Prince.

“Obviously, Nathan Lyon is a phenomenal spinner who is able to hold up one end. They’re going to come at you with a certain intensity that can only last for a period of time. Sometimes you have to absorb that intensity until you take the sting out of the attack, because then there are runs to be had.”

Steve Smith produced two outstanding catches off the bowling of veteran spinner Nathan Lyon. Photo: Cricinfo

Prince said reading the game and recognising when to weather the storm would be crucial against an experienced Australian side. He felt the Kingsmead surface offered a reasonable contest between bat and ball, although he noted conditions appeared to change slightly as South Africa’s innings progressed.

“I think it’s been a pretty good pitch so far. The ball seemed to come on a little slower for our top-order batters earlier, and it was difficult to work it into the spaces. Today, the pitch seemed to come on a little better, while the bounce remained consistent. I felt the guys had the confidence to play their shots and trust the bounce and pace of the surface.”

Pat Cummins took three wickets, including that of Tristan Stubbs. Photo: Cricinfo

Despite the improved conditions, Prince believes the Proteas could have done more to capitalise on their opportunities, particularly when partnerships began to develop.

“Where I feel we could have been better is in sensing the intensity of the opposition and reading the state of the game. Pat Cummins is obviously an astute captain, and when he senses an opportunity, he’s going to push his fast bowlers to keep going.

“Just as a partnership looks like it’s going to shift the advantage towards us, a wicket falls. Every time that happens, it energises the bowling attack and gives them the belief that they can push on a little further.”

David Bedingham top-scored for South Africa with 49. Photo: Cricinfo

“If a partnership is allowed to develop, you might turn to a fourth seamer or a part-time spinner earlier. But when wickets keep falling at regular intervals, the fast bowlers get a bit more energy and come at you again. It’s only a matter of time before you get through the backbone of the batting order and expose the tail-enders.”

Play resumes on Monday at Kingsmead at 09:30, with Australia set to continue their second innings on 33/0. Nic Maddinson is unbeaten on 17, while Travis Head is on ten not out, giving the visitors a solid platform from which to build their advantage and put further pressure on the Proteas.

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