South African paceman Kyle Abbott removed Australian openers Matt Renshaw and David Warner but Usman Khawaja and his captain Steve Smith dug in to steer the hosts to 109 for two at tea on the second day of the day-night third test on Friday. Abbott, who only came into the side in the second test for the injured Dale Steyn, was the standout in a fine early display by the visiting pacemen, taking 2-7 with six maidens in his first 10-over spell. Australia resumed on 14-0 in response to South Africa's 259-9 declared but debutant Renshaw added only two runs to his overnight tally before he was brilliantly caught for 10 at third slip by Dean Elgar. Khawaja, who had opened in place of Warner, put on 72 with his skipper for the unbroken third wicket to usher the hosts more comfortably to tea. Australia need a draw to avoid a first ever 3-0 series weep on home soil.

Source: dna November 25, 2016 06:08 UTC