Nathan Lyon was left out of the second Test, replacing Scott Boland in Cape Town after the seamer secured a five-wicket haul at St George’s Park.

That selection decision looks to be an inspired one, if the end of day three is anything to go by, with Lyon claiming a crucial scalp with five minutes left of play. Live updates below!

Australia’s best-ever off-spinner bowled Temba Bavuma with an absolute peach of a delivery, beating the Proteas skipper’s inside edge after finding spin in the pace bowler’s foot holes.

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“What a ball that is – that’s a beauty from Nathan Lyon. They know how big that wicket is for South Africa’s hopes. Massive,” Simon Katich said on SEN.

Meanwhile, Vernon Philander added: “Can you believe it? On the brink of the close of play. That is a monumental wicket for the Australians.”

And as play continues, spin is only going to be more and more important with Australia gunning to limit South Africa to a modest second innings total.

As it stands, the hosts hold a 40-run lead with six wickets in hand.

MATCH CENTRE: Live scores from the second Test

Test decider set for thrilling finish | 02:22

Follow all the action from day two of the deciding Test between Australia and South Africa below. Can’t see the blog? (Click here)

SMITH UPDATE: Scans reveal Smith’s neck injury… yet one explosive question in shock Test withdrawal remains

TEAMS

Australia: Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

South Africa: Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada.



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