Starc joins 450 club as Bavuma and Jansen stun Aussies

South Africa completely dominated the opening session of day three in Gqeberha, swinging the momentum firmly in the hosts' favour against Australia. Temba Bavuma and Marco Jansen combined forces to mount a fierce resistance at St George's Park.

Earlier in the innings, Mitchell Starc delivered a vicious bouncer that dismissed Wiaan Mulder for 13 on review. The ball deflected off Mulder's helmet and bat grip before being safely caught in the slips.

The dismissal secured Starc his 450th Test wicket, placing him alongside Shane Warne, Nathan Lyon, and Glenn McGrath as only the fourth Australian to reach the milestone.

Despite the early breakthrough, the visiting bowling attack struggled to maintain control against an aggressive South African counter-attack. Marco Jansen launched into a brilliant innings, smashing a quick-fire half-century off just 43 deliveries.

Jansen took full advantage of the older, softer ball on a flattening pitch, dispatching the Australian bowlers to all parts of the ground. His aggressive strokeplay even included a massive six that crashed directly into the press box.

At the other end, Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma played a resolute sheet anchor role, reaching his hard-fought half-century from 140 balls. Bavuma also produced the highlight of the session with a stunning on-drive to the boundary.

Australia's bowling stocks were further tested as Josh Hazlewood was forced to wait through the morning session after spending the previous day ill at his hotel. The visitors are now heavily relying on the impending second new ball to break the century-plus partnership.