Batting collapses won't go away
Australia lost 10-90 to be all out for 216 in Port Elizabeth following a stunning spell of reverse swing bowling from Proteas spearhead Dale Steyn.
It was a similar capitulation to the previous Test loss at Durham. Chasing 298 for victory last year, Australia was cruising at 1-147 – only Stuart Broad Stuart Broad took six wickets in a session and England stormed to victory.
They say catches win matches. But batting collapses can undo weeks of hard work.
Winning the toss is vital
Australia's resurgence against England was achieved largely through winning the toss, applying scoreboard pressure and keeping the opposition chasing leather as long as possible.
Being frontrunners, the Aussies crumbled at Port Elizabeth when the tables were turned.
What would have happened in the first Test had Graeme Smith not chosen to bowl first?
Reverse swing still a pipedream
Australia has a chronic problem when it comes to making the old ball talk. The seamers seldom bowl reverse swing and even its leading batsmen struggle to survive when facing it.
As Michael Clarke admitted after the second Test, none of his bowlers managed to reverse swing a single delivery in both innings.
Aussies only win on wickets that suit them?
The second Test was more evidence of that.
India and England last year showed Michael Clarke's team is vulnerable on pitches that are lifeless and especially devoid of bounce – the opposite of Australian surfaces.
What can be done about? Stop whinging for a start.
Too much was made of South Africa's doctoring of the "Anti Mitch Pitch" at St George's Park and that appeared to stymie the aggressive cricket mantra that served Australia so well against England.
Shane Watson might be handy after all
There is likely to be at least one change with the Australian team. Clarke is desperate to have all-rounder Shane Watson back in the side after missing the first two Tests with a calf strain.
With Alex Doolan making two single figures scores and Shaun Marsh completing a pair, giving him six ducks in his last 11 innings, Lehmann and the selectors may use 'gut feel' to decide who makes way for Watson.
The skipper must score runs
After beginning the Ashes series in Australia with centuries in the first two Tests, Michael Clarke has failed to score more than 24 in each of his last 11 innings.
Clarke must lead from the front by rising from his batting slump if things are to be turned around in the final Test on Saturday.
History is on his side.
The last time he played at Cape Town, Clarke had passed 50 only five times in his previous 24 knocks yet crafted a gutsy 151 out of Australia's first innings total of 284.
Of course, his side was sensationally rolled for 47 in the second innings and lost the Test by eight wickets.