Proteas batting coach backs shot selection after Day 3 soft dismissals

South Africa struggled with the willow on Day three of the match in Durban, with David Beddingham top scoring with 49 on their way to a 284-run total.

Prince says they have deliberately become less conservative and believes his players are well capable of executing the sweeping shots on the Kingsmead wicket, but were just unlucky at times.

"I think as long as the guys are training these options and playing it fairly well as part of the overall makeup we can accept that. Two phenomenal catches by Steve Smith and sometimes they just beat the fielder or the slip and go for 4 and sometimes it takes a couple of blinders," said Prince

Australia stalwart Steve Smith completed four of those South Africa dismissals in the slip cordon on Sunday, which took him to 223 catches and a new world record in Test cricket.

He surpassed England’s Joe Root, who is on 220.

Prince believes his side should learn to take the sting out of the Australian pace attack when they return to bat.

He says once they can frustrate captain Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchel Starc they’ll have neutralised their opponents’ main weapon.

The visitors come into Day four on 33 for no loss in their second innings, and with a lead of 139 already after posting 390 earlier in the match.

Prince expects an aggressive approach from them with time now a factor in this Test.