Returning to the Test side after a year-long absence, Inglis delivered a pivotal performance on Day 3. His innings of 135 balls featured 11 boundaries and two sixes, culminating in a reverse sweep against off-spinner Simon Harmer that brought up his second Test century. The knock was instrumental in steering Australia to a total of 429, surpassing South Africa’s first-innings score of 329.
A Landmark Achievement in International Cricket
Inglis’s century at Newlands adds to a growing list of accolades that distinguish him from his peers. Having previously scored a maiden Test century against Sri Lanka in 2025, he now holds two hundreds in the longest format to complement his existing records in the shorter games. He has also notched two centuries in both ODIs and T20Is, a feat that remains unmatched by any other Australian batter.
The achievement highlights the versatility of the 29-year-old, who has now accumulated 286 runs in six Tests, 1,100 runs in 43 ODIs, and 1,033 runs in 49 T20Is. While other notable Australian white-ball specialists have come close, none have managed to replicate this consistency across all three formats. For instance, Glenn Maxwell boasts five T20I centuries and four ODI hundreds but has only one Test century to his name, while the retired Aaron Finch never reached triple figures in the Test arena despite his prolific record in limited-overs cricket.
Returning to the Fold at Newlands
The series-decider marked a significant return for Inglis, who had been sidelined following a fractured finger sustained during the preceding ODI series. His inclusion was part of a major shake-up for the Australian side, which saw four changes to the playing XI, including the return of Cameron Green, Nathan Lyon, and Cooper Connolly.
Partnering with Alex Carey, who contributed a valuable 80, Inglis helped stabilize the Australian innings after the visitors were tasked with responding to South Africa’s 329. By the time he was eventually dismissed by Harmer, Australia had successfully built a platform that allowed them to edge ahead in the contest. The innings lasted 125.1 overs, leaving the match finely poised as the teams moved into the next phase of the series decider.
