Australia battles back after early wickets in third Test against South Africa

Australia reduced South Africa's early lead in the third Test at Newlands after a difficult start, taking four wickets in the second session. Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl, and South Africa were 4/221 at tea with David Bedingham (41) and Ryan Rickelton (2) at the crease.

Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood and debutant Cooper Connolly each claimed wickets as South Africa slipped to 3/13 in a brief collapse. Ackerman, on 95, was dismissed after a lofted shot to Lyon, ending his 94-ball innings of 12 fours and two sixes. Aiden Markram, who had made 78, was later caught by Mitchell Starc off Hazlewood.

Lyon also dismissed captain Temba Bavuma for a first-ball duck, and later removed him again after a career-best 179 in the previous Test. Connolly claimed his first Test wicket after a review confirmed Matthew Breetzke was out.

Australia made several changes to their XI, with Steve Smith omitted because of a neck issue that required treatment after the Gqeberha match. Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Cooper Connolly and Nathan Lyon were recalled, while Nic Maddinson, Beau Webster and Scott Boland were dropped.

Commentators noted the challenging conditions for the visitors. Former South African captain Graeme Smith said, "We all knew it was a bad decision," referring to the toss outcome. Former Australian opener David Warner observed, "That looks like an absolute road. After that first ball that didn’t really carry, it could be a long day for the Australians."

Markram’s aggressive shot against Cummins was highlighted as a concern for the Australian side, and Mark Waugh remarked, "That is a really bad sign for Australia, that shot from Markram."

South Africa’s opening partnership of Ackerman and Markram marked the first century opening stand in six years, scoring rapidly and putting pressure on the Australian bowlers.