Du Plessis century carries the day for South Africa

South Africa made a surprise declaration at 259 for 9 with Faf du Plessis, the captain, unbeaten on 118, but Australia’s bowlers had a productive outing on the opening day of the third day-night Test at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday (November 24).

Du Plessis's bold decision after just 76 overs – the earliest declaration in a non rain-affected match – left Australia with a testing 45 minutes to stumps.

It was an even trickier period as David Warner was not allowed to open the innings as he was off the field late in South Africa's innings. However, Matt Renshaw (8), one of three debutants for Australia, and Usman Khawaja (3) took the home side to stumps unscathed at 14 for no loss, still trailing South Africa by 245 runs.

Australia had a much better opening day compared to the second Test, but du Plessis ensured South Africa didn’t let the home side run away with it, putting the ball-tampering controversy behind him to defy Australia's bowlers with a fighting century.

South Africa won the toss and chose to bat, but it was Australia's pacers who called the shots early in the day.

Stephen Cook had a major let-off on 4, when he was struck on the back pad by Mitchell Starc and given out leg-before wicket in the day's third over. But he was called back to the crease when replays picked up a front-foot no-ball bowled by Starc.

The pacer recovered from his early blunder to entice a thick edge from Dean Elgar to Usman Khawaja at third slip for 5.

Renshaw then took his first Test catch at first slip to dismiss Hashim Amla for 5 off Hazlewood. Hazlewood struck again in the over after drinks, coaxing an inside edge off JP Duminy to give Matthew Wade a catch for 5.

At 44 for 3, South Africa was in trouble when du Plessis walked out. He rebuilt the innings with Cook, adding 51 for the fourth wicket.

The stand was broken when Starc finally had his man, Cook nicking to Steven Smith at second slip. Temba Bavuma failed to get a start and Quinton de Kock, who had three fifty-plus scores in the series, managed just 24 off 33 balls before falling to Hazlewood.

Vernon Philander lost an umpire review when 'Snicko' detected the faintest of edges off Hazlewood to Wade for 4 nearing the dinner break. Wade, recalled to the national side for Peter Nevill, had taken four catches. Hazlewood would finish with 4 for 68.

Du Plessis rallied with the tail, adding 54 with Kyle Abbott and a useful 39 with Tabraiz Shamsi, who was making his debut. Despite that last-wicket stand holding up well, he declared the innings in an attempt to harry the Australians under light.

Australia, who won the first ever day-night Test against New Zealand last year, is keen to break a run of five straight Test defeats and avoid a rare series whitewash at home.

For the full match scorecard, please click here