Mitchell Starc stars as Australia rule Day Three against South Africa

Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon starred with bat and ball as Australia took full control of the third and final Test against South Africa here on Saturday

Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc

Adelaide: Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon starred with bat and ball as Australia took full control of the third and final Test against South Africa here on Saturday.

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Starc added vital lower-order runs in the first session before combining with Lyon to reduce South Africa to 194 for six at the close, with a lead of just 70. It marked a welcome return to form for Lyon, who took three for 48, while Starc's hostile bowling caused problems throughout, claiming two for 71.

Having started the day on 307-6, the hosts lost Usman Khawaja for 145 as Vernon Philander found some movement to trap him plumb in front. However Australia regrouped, with Starc adding a few useful blows en route to a seventh Test half-century, pushing the lead up to 98 before falling for 53.

At stumps, opener Stephen Cook was unbeaten on 81.

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