South Africa and Australia trade dominant performances in Cape Town Test
The third Test in Cape Town saw South Africa recover from early setbacks to post a large total, while Australia fought back with aggressive bowling and fielding, setting up a closely contested match.
South Africa and Australia exchanged dominant displays in the opening day of the third Test in Cape Town. After South Africa posted a 158-run opening partnership, Australia struggled, losing early wickets and seeing their score stall at 140 for no loss after 27 overs.
Australia responded by employing short-pitched deliveries and swing bowling, which triggered two South African collapses of 5 for 29 and 4 for 2. Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon were instrumental, with Starc taking key wickets and Lyon dismissing captain Temba Bavuma.
Starc said, "[He was] clearly disappointed last week but raring to go this week. I think he was ready to get on that bus at about six o'clock this morning. He was fantastic today. He controlled that end for us throughout his spells today, got a few rewards, that ball to Bavuma. The Nathan Lyon we know and that's what helps this bowling attack tick."
South Africa's middle order added resilience, with Marco Jansen and Ryan Rickelton contributing a 95-run partnership. However, Starc's second new ball produced further breakthroughs, removing Rickelton, Kagiso Rabada and others, leaving South Africa at 232 for six.
Australia's fielding was highlighted by catches from Starc and Josh Hazlewood, while the team's short-ball strategy was described by Starc as a tactical adjustment made during the session.
The day ended with both sides having seized momentum at different points, setting up a decisive final innings in the series decider.