South Africa's top order handed Australia an opening on day two in Cape Town, throwing wickets away with the kind of loose, careless batting that coaches lose sleep over.
The Proteas, chasing a strong Australian first innings total, found themselves in trouble early as their top-order batters made dismissals that felt avoidable, gifting the visitors a foothold in the match they were quick to seize.
Australia, steady and disciplined throughout, now find themselves in a strong position to seal a series win, with South Africa needing something special in their second innings to turn this test around.
Cape Town crowds will be hoping their side can dig deep, but right now, the momentum belongs firmly to the Australians.
Originally published by BBC Africa.