Australia has South Africa on the ropes

AUSTRALIA remains in charge heading into day four of the third and deciding test match against South Africa in Cape Town.

Skipper Michael Clarke declared on 7-494 at the start of the third day, before his boys went to work, bowling the hosts out for 287.

Fox Sports reports, with the series tied at one-all Australia will resume tonight on 0-27, a lead of 234 with two days to play.

Australia’s cause has been helped by a hamstring strain to the world’s best fast bowler, Dale Steyn, who has the potential to return on day four.