Australia rally as Mitchell Starc clinches win for South Africa on day one of Cape Town Test
Australia recovered from a poor start to restrict South Africa to 329 runs on the first day of the third Test in Cape Town, with Mitchell Starc taking four wickets in his final over.
South Africa posted 329 all out in the first innings of the third Test at Newlands, Cape Town, with Marques Ackerman scoring 95 and Aiden Markram adding 78. Australia’s bowlers, led by Mitchell Starc, turned the match in the afternoon, taking four wickets in six deliveries to finish the South African innings.
Starc dismissed Ryan Rickelton, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada in a spell that reduced South Africa from 327-6 to 329 all out. Earlier, Nathan Lyon had taken the wicket of captain Temba Bavuma, who was out for a single run.
Pat Cummins, who won the toss and chose to bowl, said, "It feels like there's a bit of moisture in the wicket so we will have first use of it." The decision to bowl first was aimed at protecting a batting line-up that has faced recent injuries and form concerns.
Australia’s batting order remains under scrutiny after the loss of opener Nic Maddinson and the injury to Steve Smith. Matt Renshaw is expected to open, while Marnus Labuschagne and Josh Inglis are slated to bat in the top order.
The day’s play set up a competitive contest for the series decider, with both teams looking to secure a win that could influence their positions in the international rankings.