Melbourne Test: Australia eye victory as South Africa about to collapse

MELBOURNE, Australia – December 28 (ONLINE) South Africa on Wednesday concluded day 3 at 15-1, chasing a lead of massive 386 in ongoing Melbourne Test.

Australia earlier had declared their first innings at 575-8, built by injured Warner’s double ton, and supported by Alex Carry’s late middle order century (111). South Africa were bowled out in their first innings for 189.

In reply, the Proteas were 15-1 when play was abandoned early at the Melbourne Cricket Ground due to persistent drizzle.

Their bid to save the Test, and the three-match series after losing the opener in Brisbane, got off to a horror start with under-pressure skipper Dean Elgar caught by Carey off Pat Cummins without scoring in the second over.

Theunis de Bruyn, who was dropped by David Warner on three, was not out six alongside Sarel Erwee on seven.

Wicketkeeper Carey, playing in his 14th Test, was superb in reaching three figures for the first time before he was caught and bowled by Marco Jansen for 111.

At the declaration, a battling Cameron Green was not out 51 despite a fractured finger, alongside Mitchell Starc on 10.