Nathan Lyon (L) celebrates the wicket of Marques Ackerman on the opening day of the first Test on Tuesday. Photo: AFP
Opener Marques Ackerman struck a career-best 95 and Aiden Markram made 78 as South Africa reached 221-4 at tea on the opening day of the third Test against Australia at Newlands on Tuesday.
Ackerman and Markram shared a commanding 158-run opening partnership in 31.4 overs, putting the hosts in a strong position after Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl.
Ackerman, 30, playing only his second Test, looked set for a maiden century before falling five runs short when he charged spinner Nathan Lyon and was stumped attempting to clear the boundary.
Markram also fell after a productive innings, caught by Mitchell Starc on the boundary off Josh Hazlewood.
Australia then struck twice more to contain South Africa’s progress, with Lyon bowling captain Temba Bavuma for a duck before left-arm spinner Cooper Connolly trapped Matthew Breetzke lbw for two.
David Bedingham was unbeaten on 41 at the interval, with Ryan Rickelton on two as South Africa looked to rebuild in the final session.
Cummins opted to bowl in sunny conditions, citing moisture in the pitch. It was only the 12th time a team had chosen to field first in a Test at Newlands since 1889, with five of the previous 11 matches won by the side making that decision.
Earlier, Australia made four changes after their innings and 31-run defeat in the second Test at Gqeberha, bringing in Cameron Green, wicket-keeper Josh Inglis, Connolly and Lyon.
Steve Smith was ruled out with a neck injury after failing to recover in time, while Nic Maddinson, Beau Webster and Scott Boland were also omitted. Boland had taken five wickets in the previous Test and scored 40 as a night-watchman.
Marnus Labuschagne retained his place despite going 47 international innings without a century, equalling Australia’s record for the longest such drought.
South Africa made one change, with fast bowler Gerald Coetzee replacing the injured Anrich Nortje.
The three-match Test series is level at 1-1 after Australia won the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs before South Africa responded emphatically in Gqeberha.
