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Australia vs South Africa 2016: 3rd Test Day 3 - 5 talking points

Lyon has picked up 3 wickets in the second innings

Australia entered Day 3 with a clear advantage to ensure that they will not face the ignominy of a whitewash at home. South Africa need a miracle to win from here with their batsmen looking undone against top quality bowling from the Aussie quicks.

At stumps on Day 3, the Proteas were at 194/6, effectively 70/6, given that they had conceded a 124 run lead in the first innings. If Khawaja was the hero on Day 2, Starc, Lyon and Hazlewood held South Africa back with probing spells. The final session of play completely undid the hard work by Amla and Cook, although the latter still remains unbeaten at the crease. 

Here is a look at talking points from Day 3 of the third Test at Adelaide. 


#5 Starc adds on to the pain

Australia v South Africa - 3rd Test: Day 3 : News Photo
Khawaja and Starc piled on valuable runs in the latter part of the Australian innings

Australia had an ideal start to Day 3, as Khawaja and Starc piled on the misery on South African bowlers. But Khawaja's wicket was expected to open the floodgates. Instead, Starc got stuck and started swinging wildly to notch up a half century.

He started playing his strokes after Usman's wicket and launched a pull off Philander deep into the stands for a six. He also started taking on Shamsi and lofted over mid-on twice to get a couple of boundaries.

While his knock can be termed a cameo, he was more authoritative today, unlike yesterday, and soaked up 91 balls for his half-century and took Australia's lead to 124.

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