Australia moved into a commanding position on the third day of the series-deciding Test at Newlands, ending the day with a significant psychological advantage after
Bavuma, who had anchored the South African response with a gritty 35 off 115 balls, fell to a sharp delivery from Lyon just five minutes before stumps. Attempting to work the ball into the leg side, the captain missed, allowing the ball to sneak between bat and pad and rattle the stumps. It marked the seventh time Lyon has claimed Bavuma’s wicket in his career, including two dismissals in this match alone. Matthew Breetzke, unbeaten on 19, and Ryan Rickelton, on eight, will be tasked with navigating the remainder of the innings when play resumes.
Australia's bowling attack keeps pressure on hosts
The Australian bowling unit maintained consistent pressure throughout the day, ensuring South Africa never found a rhythm. Mitchell Starc was particularly effective, finishing the day with 2/29 and taking his match tally to eight wickets. Starc struck early in the second innings, removing opener Aiden Markram in the third over, while Josh Hazlewood accounted for David Bedingham, who top-edged a pull shot to Lyon in the deep.
Marques Ackerman provided brief resistance for the home side, following up his first-innings 95 with a fluent 62 off 64 balls. However, his departure—caught at slip after a short ball from Starc struck his helmet grille—left the middle order exposed. With the pitch expected to deteriorate further, Australia will be confident in their ability to wrap up the remaining wickets and chase down a target to secure the series.
Inglis century anchors Australian first innings
Earlier in the day, Australia’s first innings concluded at 429, giving them a valuable 100-run lead.
South Africa’s bowlers eventually found their line and length, led by Simon Harmer, who finished with 4/104. Harmer broke the crucial partnership between Inglis and Carey in the first hour of play, sparking a collapse that saw the final six Australian wickets fall for 99 runs. Marco Jansen also provided support with 3/60, while Kagiso Rabada and Gerald Coetzee chipped in to limit the damage. With the series currently level at 1-1, the final two days at Newlands promise a tense conclusion to the contest.
