South Africa vs Australia 2018: 3rd Test, day 3, 5 things we learnt from the day

In a controversial day's play, South Africa edged ahead with a lead that nearly touched 300 despite Australia trying their best by hook or by crook to seize the advantage.

Aiden Markram and AB de Villiers smashed half-centuries to take South Africa to a promising lead by close of play but neither hogged the limelight like Cameron Bancroft on day three.

The Australian opener was clearly spotted tampering the ball on television and the umpires were seen having a chat with the batsman.

Though the ball wasn't changed, a bizarre decision considering what was seen on TV, Bancroft trended on social media in no time.

All said and done, South Africa wrestled the initiative in a tough day's play.

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#5 South Africa take a slender lead and lose Elgar early

Elgar couldn't replicate his first innings heroics

With Nathan Lyon's late blitz diminishing South Africa's lead, the hosts needed to bowl out Australia early on day three to retain the advantage they had fought so hard for.

This was taken care of Kagiso Rabada who sent Josh Hazlewood back to the pavilion early on day three. With a 56-run lead, South Africa were still slightly ahead.

However, Pat Cummins snapped up first innings centurion, Dean Elgar, in his second over to peg South Africa back.

The southpaw had been quite edgy all through the second innings and eventually nicked Cummins to second slip.

#4 Aiden Markram dazzles

Markram impressed one and all with his elegant strokeplay

Young Aiden Markram yet again showcased his range with an eye-catching batting display on day three at Cape Town.

The opener forged a 76-run partnership with Hashim Amla, scoring freely against the threatening Aussie bowlers and looking ever so comfortable at the crease.

His driving was a treat to watch and he barely took his foot off the accelerator in a display of raw elegance.

He compiled a third Test half-century and appeared we'll set for a ton when he flicked Starc straight to mid-on off a nothing delivery.

Nevertheless, it was an innings to remember from Markram.

#3 Cameron Bancroft in a soup after ball tampering caught on cam

Bancroft was spotted using a yellow substance to shine the ball

Australia, after all the whining, find themselves in a soup after Cameron Bancroft was spotted using a yellow substance (possibly sandpaper) to shine the ball on camera.

The footage showed Bancroft rubbing the rough side of the ball with a foreign substance and the umpires, Nigel Llong and Richard Illingworth were seen talking to the Aussie opener.

Interestingly, Peter Handscomb was sent onto the field by Darren Lehmann immediately after the footage came up and was seen talking to Bancroft, possibly to hide the object used.

When queried by the officials, Bancroft showed a black piece of cloth but footage clearly captures him using a yellow object.

Hmmm. Not quite the same thing... pic.twitter.com/AEQmPjWUon

— Derek Alberts (@derekalberts1) March 24, 2018

#2 South Africa continue to struggle with middle-order woes

Du Plessis has been woeful with the bat in recent times

AB De Villiers seems to be holding together South Africa's middle-order like a glue for the remaining batsmen appear completely dazed and performances have gone from thin to none.

Faf Du Plessis' wretched form combined with poor returns from Theunis De Bruyn had made the middle-order a mess in the first two Tests.

Temba Bavuma replaced De Bruyn here but the scenario barely changed as he too contributed little in terms of runs.

Quinton De Kock's lack of form further adds to their conundrums. De Villiers, though, has been a class apart and continued to torment the Aussies.

#1 Amidst drama, De Villiers keeps scoring runs

de Villiers has been in stupendous form since his comeback

De Villiers had been a thorn in India's flesh two months ago and is greeting Australia with the very same treatment in the ongoing series.

The Aussies have been frustrated to no end in trying to get rid of him this series.

Not only have they found dismissing him tough, but also containing his scoring rate has also been a problem.

He continued to torment the visitors yet again, smashing a 45th Test half-century even as Bancroft and his antics grabbed all the spotlight.

The South African batsman in the process also became the highest run scorer for South Africa against Australia in Tests, surpassing a certain Jacques Kallis.