Australia in Strong Position in Cape Town Test After Day 3

Cape Town, South Africa — A magnificent Test century from recalled middle-order batter Josh Inglis followed by clinical late strikes from Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon have placed Australia in a commanding position to win the series-deciding third Test after a dramatic third day at Newlands in Cape Town.

Test cricket is the ultimate five-day red-ball format governed by the International Cricket Council (ICC). After bowling Australia out for 429 to concede a substantial 100-run first-innings deficit, South Africa closed Day 3 reeling at 140 for 4 in their second innings—holding a wafer-thin lead of just 40 runs with only six wickets in hand and captain Temba Bavuma already dismissed.

• Match: South Africa vs Australia, 3rd Test (Series Decider)
• Venue: Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town
• South Africa 1st Innings: 329 all out
• Australia 1st Innings: 429 all out (Josh Inglis 100+, Alex Carey 80; Simon Harmer 4/104, Marco Jansen 3/60)
• South Africa 2nd Innings (Stumps Day 3): 140/4 (Lead by 40 runs; Mitchell Starc 2 wkts, Nathan Lyon 1 wkt, Josh Hazlewood 1 wkt)

Josh Inglis Ton and Alex Carey’s 80 Power Australia to 429

Resuming Day 3 at 330 for 4—just one run ahead of South Africa’s first-innings 329—Australia’s fifth-wicket pair wasted no time asserting authority over the Proteas’ bowling attack. Josh Inglis converted his overnight 85 into a sparkling Test century, dictating the tempo effortlessly alongside fellow wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey, who compiled a fluent 80.

Although Proteas off-spinner Simon Harmer (4/104) and newly crowned World No. 1 Test all-rounder Marco Jansen (3/60) eventually teamed up to wrap up the Australian lower order for 429, the tourists departed the crease with a priceless 100-run first-innings cushion on a deteriorating third-day surface.

Starc Brute Force and Lyon’s Late Gem Leave Proteas on the Ropes

Facing an uphill battle to eliminate the deficit and establish a competitive target, South Africa’s second innings began under intense pressure against Australia’s new-ball spearheads. Mitchell Starc uprooted opener Aiden Markram in the third over of the innings, before Josh Hazlewood found the edge of David Bedingham (caught by Nathan Lyon) to leave the home side in early trouble.

First-innings half-centurion Marques Ackerman—who registered his second fifty of the Test match—and skipper Temba Bavuma briefly steadied the Proteas with a fighting 64-run partnership for the third wicket to wipe out the 100-run arrears. However, Australia’s experienced match-winners delivered a crushing double-strike in the twilight session:

• Starc Breaks the Resistance: Returning for a fiery late spell, Mitchell Starc dismissed the set Ackerman to expose South Africa’s middle order.
• Lyon’s Late Blow Before Stumps: Just five minutes before the close of play in the penultimate over, veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon ripped a classic off-break to clean bowl Temba Bavuma, leaving the Proteas stunned at 140 for 4.

Match Situation Heading into Day 4

With the three-match series deadlocked at 1–1, Australia enter Friday’s fourth day as decisive favourites to take the remaining six South African wickets swiftly and chase down a modest target to seal a famous away series victory at Newlands.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was South Africa’s score at stumps on Day 3?

South Africa were 140/4 in their second innings, holding an overall lead of just 40 runs over Australia.

Who were Australia’s top performers with bat and ball?

Josh Inglis scored a century and Alex Carey made 80 in Australia’s 429, while Mitchell Starc took two key second-innings wickets and Nathan Lyon bowled Temba Bavuma.

What is the series scoreline between South Africa and Australia?

The series is currently tied 1–1, with Australia winning in Durban and South Africa winning in Gqeberha.

What time does Day 4 begin?

Day 4 action resumes at Newlands at 1:45 PM NPT (10:00 AM local South African time).