South Africa have ended day three of the third Test match with Australia on 194-6, leaving the tourists with an advantage of just 70 runs.

Australia resumed on 307-6 but it did not take South Africa long to finally dismiss Usman Khawaja for 145 and although Mitchell Starc went on to make an excellent 53, they were bowled out for 383.

That gave the hosts a lead of 124 as they look for their first victory of the series, and their bid to get back to winning ways was boosted when Starc removed Dean Elgar for a three-ball duck.

Hashim Amla rallied alongside Stephen Cook but once he was dismissed for 45, wickets fell at regular intervals although they went into the closing three overs with only four wickets down.

However, that soon changed as Nathan Lyon removed both Temba Bavuma (21) and Kyle Abbott (0) to leave Australia in command heading into the fourth day's play in Adelaide.

Opener Cook remains at the crease on 81 but he is likely to have to reach his century to give his team a glimmer of hope for the remainder of the match.