Australia will begin their first innings on Wednesday, October 28, as the third and decisive Test against South Africa resumes at Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town.
The Australians will walk out to bat after the Proteas were bowled out for 329 runs on the opening day on Tuesday, October 27, setting the stage for an intriguing battle in the series decider.
South Africa made a promising start through opening batters Marques Ackerman and Aiden Markram, who put together an impressive 158-run partnership for the first wicket.
Ackerman narrowly missed his maiden Test century after scoring a career-best 95 runs, while Markram contributed 78.
David Bedingham also played a valuable innings of 50 runs, helping the hosts build a strong platform before Australia’s bowlers fought back.
However, the Proteas suffered a dramatic collapse, losing six wickets for 74 runs as Australia capitalised on their opponents’ mistakes.
Ryan Rickelton scored 42 runs before Marco Jansen added an important 52, with the pair sharing a 95-run partnership for the seventh wicket to restore some momentum.
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc was the standout performer with the ball, claiming six wickets for 72 runs to help dismiss South Africa for 329 in 82.3 overs.
Australia will now look to build a strong first-innings total and put pressure on the home side, who will be eager to make early breakthroughs.
The three-match series is currently tied at 1-1, making the Cape Town encounter crucial for both teams. Australia won the opening Test by 214 runs in Durban before South Africa responded with an innings-and-31-run victory in Gqeberha.
With the series winner also set to claim the number-one position in the Test world rankings, Wednesday’s play could prove decisive in determining which side gains the upper hand.
All eyes will be on Australia’s batting line-up as it faces the challenge of negotiating the Proteas’ bowling attack and responding to the hosts’ first-innings total.