Australia vs South Africa, Day 3 LIVE: Australia lead by 386 runs

    Anrich Nortje caused an early upset, but Alex Carey's fifty and a gutsy Cameron Green ensured Australia went into the lunch break with a sizeable lead on day three.

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    South Africa's Anrich Nortje caused early upset to Australia. Image credit: SALive Image South Africa's Anrich Nortje caused early upset to Australia.

    Australia improved to 7-479 after South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje caused another upset in the Boxing Day Test.

    Australia started day three with 3-386 and added 4-93 in the first session to take a 290-run lead into the lunch break on Wednesday.

    Wicketkeeper Alex Carey quickly extended Australia's lead by hitting a quick unbeaten 62 for his fourth Test fifty.

    Nortje (3-80), who had bowled brilliantly without luck, made up for his lack of success on Tuesday when he delivered another fiery spell.

    The Proteas paceman was on a hat-trick when he dismissed Travis Head (51) and double-century maker Warner in successive balls under overcast skies.

    <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Classic David Warner celebration. <a href="https://t.co/O9AM74leX8">pic.twitter.com/O9AM74leX8</a></p>&mdash; Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) <a href="https://twitter.com/CricCrazyJohns/status/1607754802372694027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

    On Day 2, David Warner marked his 100th Test by hitting a memorable 200 as Australia took complete control of South Africa in Melbourne.

    Day 3 Lunch Scoreboard

    Australia lead by 386 runs

    South Africa's first Innings: 189 (68.4 Overs)

    Australia first Innings: 575/8 Declared (145 Overs)