CAPE TOWN — Seamer Morne Morkel claimed his 300th wicket as South Africa took control of the third Test when they reduced Australia to 150 for five at tea on the second day at Newlands on Friday.

Morkel (3-43) reached his landmark 20 minutes before tea when Shaun Marsh (26) slashed at a wide delivery and was comfortably caught by wicketkeeper Quinton de Kock.

The tall fast bowler, who has announced he will retire from all forms of international cricket after this series, has been the chief destroyer for the home side, having earlier removed Usman Khawaja (5) and claimed the key wicket of Australia captain Steve Smith (5).

Khawaja was caught at fine leg by Kagiso Rabada attempting a hook, a poor choice of shot, while Smith played at a rising delivery well-outside his off-stump and edged to Dean Elgar in the gully.

It continued a poor series for Smith, who is averaging just 27 from five innings, and he looked out of sorts having been roughed up by some fierce fast bowling from Rabada before lunch. — Reuters