Duminy, Elgar tons put South Africa in commanding position

South Africa took control of the first Test against Australia following centuries by Dean Elgar and JP Duminy at the end of the third day in Perth on Saturday.

South Africa's Jean-Paul Duminy hits a shot against Australia in the first test match on Saturday. David Gray/Reuters

The visitors were 390 for six in their second innings, claiming an overall lead of 388 runs with four wickets standing. Duminy made 141, while Elgar scored 127 as the pair added 250 runs for the third wicket.

The day started with South Africa resuming their second innings on 104 for 2 with Duminy and Elgar at the crease. Australian bowlers posed little problems to the two left-handers who went on with their task of laying a solid foundation to the Proteas’ second innings with little difficulty.

The two took the score from 45 for 2 to 295 before Duminy lost his wicket to Peter Siddle. This was Siddle’s second wicket of the innings after he had opener Stephen Cook caught by Mitchell Marsh the previous day. Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood too claimed two wickets including that of Elgar.

Vernon Philander was unbeaten on 23 and Quinton de Kock on 16 at the close of play.

South Africa are now the firm favourites to win the test barring a phenomenal batting display by the hosts who are likely to be set a target well in excess of 400 runs.

That South Africa could be in such a strong position was remarkable given they appeared to be all but out of the match a day earlier.

After winning the toss and being dismissed for 242, the South Africans appeared certain to be facing a massive first innings deficit when Australia cruised to 158 for none before lunch on day two, but the home side then collapsed in stunning fashion to make just 244 as the match turned on its head.