The 3rd day of the 3rd Test Match between Australia vs. South Africa saw a major twist in the game when Australia led by Michael Clarke declared on 494 - 7 in the morning. South Africa came to bat and got bundled on 287 runs.

Australia started their batting for second innings and closed the day with 27 - 0 on the scoreboard. With this, Australia is now leading with 234 runs having all wickets intact and with two more days to go.

Right from the start of Day 3 of 1st Innings, South Africa is kept under constant pressure as Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris showed their caliber to restrict them from every possible angle leading to only 287 runs. Harris took 3 crucial wickets out of 22 overs while Johnson took 4 out of 19 overs. Harris is supposed to undergo knee surgery after the test. JL Pattinson also supported in this crucial day taking 3 wickets in 18.5 overs.

Australia started the 2nd innings, closing the day with 27 runs on board. Opener DA Warner is on 25 runs and CJL Rogers on 1 - Not Out.

Australia as compared to South Africa has shown consistency with their top batting lineup as we can clearly see their partnership hitting above 50 runs for five times in the first innings compared to South Africa.

The pitch, after a rainy day gave good support to the seamers as they found good bounce in the wicket. Petersen was hit on the on the arm from a fast delivery by Johnson. Styen also met a fearful bouncer from Johnson hitting right at his helmet.

At the beginning of the game, South Africa suffered the first blow when Graeme Smith was shown the way to pavilion by Harris for just 5 runs. With 42 - 2 on board, Petersen and Amla took hold of the stand trying to reinstate the balance.

Petersen was sensational all through the series as he added 53 runs with 8 boundaries in this innings bagging a quick half-century. Petersen was finally dismissed by Johnson. AB De Villiers also put a brilliant stand contributing 67 runs till he was caught by Warner, bowled by Johnson.

South Africa missed some real good opportunities which could have kept the visitors in a much more tight position. But the fielding of South Africa seemed inconsistent at times. Haddin missed a crucial opportunity hitting a sure stamp of De Villiars when he was at 30.

Australia is determined to clinch the Test Series and South Africa is still laggard trying to cope up with the crisis. In any case, South Africa has to show their batting skills in the 2nd innings to get back to the groove of the game.