South Africa vs Australia 2018: 4th Test, Day 3, Talking points

#1 Australia staring at a huge target as South Africa stretch lead to 401

Elgar and du Plessis fought hard after South Africa lost 2 quick wickets

With a lead of 267 runs, South Africa opted against enforcing the follow-on. Aiden Markram and Dean Elgar began on a positive note as the opening duo added 54 in 18 overs. Markram contributed 37 in that partnership as Elgar looked solid in defence and held one end up.

Pat Cummins then bowled a superb delivery to dismiss the first innings centurion before he came back and got rid of the dangerous AB de Villiers after tea. In between those two wickets, Amla was out to Lyon as the off-spinner got one to turn and bounce and the South African No. 3 was caught at leg-slip.

At 94/3, Faf du Plessis joined Dean Elgar in the middle and the two batsmen defended well as they stone-walled their way to see through the day without any damage. They shared a 40-run stand (in 130 balls).

Dean Elgar, in particular, played stoic innings as he scored 39 runs in 158 deliveries. Both of the batsmen also copped blows as well. Du Plessis was hit on the fingers which had him in a lot of pain.

The 40-run stand ensured no further damage was done and South Africa stretched their lead to 401 and Australia who look a little lost in the field are staring at a massive target in the fourth innings.