Starc's six-wicket haul turns tide on opening day in Cape Town
Australia recovered from an early deficit to dismiss South Africa for 329, with Mitchell Starc taking six wickets on day one of the Test match.
Australia overcame a strong opening partnership by South Africa to force a dramatic collapse on the first day of the Test in Cape Town. After South Africa reached 203 for one, Pat Cummins’ decision to bowl first saw his side take early wickets, but Mitchell Starc’s spell with the second new ball claimed the final four wickets for just two runs, finishing with six dismissals.
Marques Ackerman led the South African innings with an unbeaten 82, the highest opening-session score for the team, while Aiden Markram added a solid contribution before both were dismissed by Australian bowlers. Nathan Lyon, Cooper Connolly, Cam Green and Josh Inglis were among the changes made by Australia, replacing Scott Boland and Steve Smith, the latter sidelined with a neck injury.
The pitch, described as hard and dry, offered assistance to both batters and bowlers. South Africa’s middle order added runs, with David Bedingham scoring a composed fifty, but a series of short-ball wickets triggered a rapid decline from 158/0 to 329 all out.
Starc’s swing and movement with the new ball proved decisive, removing Ryan Rickelton, Marco Jansen, and later Coetzee and Rabada in quick succession. Australia’s first-innings total was not detailed in the report, but the day ended with South Africa well short of a competitive score.
"Starc’s spell with the second new ball was devastating," a team spokesperson noted, highlighting the bowler’s impact on the match.