Australia surged ahead with a 139‑run lead after Day 3, as Pat Cummins claimed 3 wickets and the hosts posted 390 to 284.
Renshaw’s 190—his career best—brought the Australians back from 124/6, while Cummins’ third wicket snapped the South Africans’ momentum early in the day. The bowlers shared the wickets: Starc, Hazlewood and Lyon all took two.
South Africa’s second innings saw Bedingham top‑scoring with 49, but the hosts were kept in check by the ninth‑wicket partnership of Maharaj and Harmer that pushed them past the follow‑on threshold. The pair added 52 runs, with Maharaj 34 and Harmer 35 unbeaten.
Cummins kept the pressure on, removing Mulder, Stubbs and Verreynne in quick succession, while Starc and Hazlewood trimmed the tail with incisive spells. The bowlers’ discipline was the key to holding the hosts at bay.
Captain Temba Bavuma admitted that the early light made the day difficult, but praised the bowlers for "going hard" and capitalising on every chance. Australian captain, meanwhile, said the team was "ready to defend a huge lead".
South Africa will now chase the target on Day 4, while Australia prepares for the final day to lock down a clean sweep of the Test.