Late strikes keep Australia ahead in Adelaide Test

Off-spinner Nathan Lyon took three wickets to keep Australia ahead after third day's play in the final Test of the three-match series against South Africa here at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday.

After bowling out Australia for 383, South Africa ended the third day at 194 for 6 with lead of 70 runs. At stumps, opener Stephen Cook (81) and Quinton de Cock (0) remained unbeaten at the crease.

Apart from Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood shared three wickets, keeping the Proteas on its toes.

Resuming the day at 307-6, Australia batted for 19.1 overs on the third day and added 76 for the loss of their last four wickets. Usman Khawaja added only 7 to his overnight score of 138 before he was lbw to Vernon Philander for 145, his 308-ball innings the longest by an Australian opener in a home Test since Justin Langer made a double-century at Adelaide Oval in 2004. Starc ended with a fifty to provide while Hazlewood remained not out on 11.

After bowling out the hosts, the Faf du Plessis-led side fought to stay alive in this game after losing two early wickets of Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla.

South Africa headed for dinner break at 100 for 2 post the decent lead of 124 built by Australia.

The hosts would not look to bowl out the visitors as early as possible to avoid a whitewash in the three-match series and gain some lost prestige.