Australia dug in on day three of the second Test to reach 121-2 when bad light ended play, but their first-innings failure means South Africa remain 120 runs ahead and well placed to clinch a series victory in Hobart.



Steve Smith and Usman Khawaja, confronted with swing and seam movement from Proteas pacemen Kyle Abbott, Kagiso Rabada and Vernon Philander on Monday, did well to be unbeaten on 18 and 56 respectively at stumps. Earlier, Quinton de Kock’s knock of 104 helped the tourists build a first-innings total of 326 despite a six-wicket haul from Josh Hazlewood.

Schedule no excuse for slump, say Cricket Australia after latest collapse Read more

Based on how Australia’s batting order has folded in a four-Test losing streak, and most recently for 85 on day one at Bellerive, it is likely Smith or Khawaja will have to bat through most of day four to give their side a chance of salvaging something from the match.



It remains unlikely but signs of South African frustration showed late on a day that featured a handful of short rain delays. Australia batted through 36 overs, during which Faf du Plessis unsuccessfully reviewed two lbw shouts from Philander.

Philander all but demanded his skipper refer a not-out verdict when Khawaja was on 35 in the 30th over. Furious with a decision of “umpire’s call”, the right-armer snarled at the batsman and soon after had a shy at the stumps when Khawaja defended a delivery back to him. Khawaja was typically relaxed, while Smith laughed at Philander’s attempt to intimidate.

Earlier, Temba Bavuma missed a chance to run Khawaja out for 10. The left-hander and David Warner both regularly played and missed as the new ball zipped around after Australia again lost a wicket in the opening over of their innings.

Joe Burns was caught behind down the leg side for a duck, with du Plessis’ successful review capping a horrible Test for the recalled opener. Warner was 45 when he was bowled by Kyle Abbott in incredible fashion. The ball ricocheted off the opener’s thigh pad, elbow and dislodged one bail.

Rain has impacted all three days of the match but the forecast is much better on days four and five. South Africa took control of the contest on day one by sending the hosts in and skittling them for Australia’s lowest Test total at home since 1984.

The visitors resumed at 171-5 on Monday after showers forced day two to be abandoned without a ball being bowled. De Kock shared a 144-run stand with Bavuma, making it the highest sixth-wicket partnership at the venue by a touring Test side.