South Africa vs Australia 2018: 3rd Test, day 3, 5 things we learnt from the day

​

Lehmann's supposed instructions to Bancroft do not stand him in good stead

In a controversial day's play, South Africa edged ahead with a lead that nearly touched 300 despite Australia trying their best by hook or by crook to seize the advantage.

Aiden Markram and AB de Villiers smashed half-centuries to take South Africa to a promising lead by close of play but neither hogged the limelight like Cameron Bancroft on day three.

The Australian opener was clearly spotted tampering the ball on television and the umpires were seen having a chat with the batsman.

Though the ball wasn't changed, a bizarre decision considering what was seen on TV, Bancroft trended on social media in no time.

All said and done, South Africa wrestled the initiative in a tough day's play.

---

#5 South Africa take a slender lead and lose Elgar early

Elgar couldn't replicate his first innings heroics

With Nathan Lyon's late blitz diminishing South Africa's lead, the hosts needed to bowl out Australia early on day three to retain the advantage they had fought so hard for.

This was taken care of Kagiso Rabada who sent Josh Hazlewood back to the pavilion early on day three. With a 56-run lead, South Africa were still slightly ahead.

However, Pat Cummins snapped up first innings centurion, Dean Elgar, in his second over to peg South Africa back.

The southpaw had been quite edgy all through the second innings and eventually nicked Cummins to second slip.

​