Aiden Markram displayed a lot of maturity to score 84 as South Africa reached 151-3 at tea on day three of the third Test at Newlands.
Along with AB de Villiers, Markram – who was also ably supported by Hashim Amla earlier – saw the home side’s lead reach 207 by the end of the second session.
Although there was a thick blanket of clouds above, the rain that was forecast for the middle session never came as South Africa continued to put the visitors under more pressure.
READ MORE: Proteas in strong position
Playing in only his ninth Test match, Markram played with the confidence and style of a seasoned veteran as he repeated his heroics from the first Test at Kingsmead in Durban. His cover drive for four off Josh Hazlewood was one of his most impressive shots of the day.
The 47-run stand with De Villiers ended when Markram was caught at mid-on by Pat Cummins off Mitchell Starc, which brought captain Faf du Plessis, who faced just two balls before the session ended.
The big talking point, however, will be Cameron Bancroft being shown on the big screen shining the ball with what looked like a sharp object in his hands.
Earlier, Markram and Amla built a solid partnership as South Africa began the second session looking to build on their lead from the first innings.
When De Villiers walked out to the middle, South Africa’s lead was up to 160 runs, which was a fantastic position to be in for the home side with still a lot of cricket to play.
Markram, who was dropped on zero in the first session, was given another lifeline when Steve Smith put a chance down in the slips with the Proteas batsman on 59, which had Hazlewood showing his frustration.
The final session will resume with De Villiers and Du Plessis in the middle.
South Africa 311 (1st innings): Dean Elgar 141*, AB de Villiers 64; Pat Cummins 4-78, Nathan Lyon 2-43
Australia 255 (1st innings): Cameron Bancroft 77, Nathan Lyon 47; Morne Morkel 4-87, Kagiso Rabada 3-91
South Africa 151-3 (2nd innings): Aiden Markram 84, Hashim Amla 31; Pat Cummins 2-31, Mitchell Starc 1-35
South Africa lead by 207 runs
Photo: Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images
