Mitchell Starc delivered a commanding performance on the opening day of the third Test against South Africa at Newlands, spearheading a late-day Australian fightback. The left-arm pacer claimed six wickets for 72 runs, effectively dismantling the South African batting lineup and restricting the hosts to 329 runs before they were bowled out shortly before the close of play on Tuesday.
The day began under different circumstances, with Australian captain Pat Cummins winning the toss and electing to field on a surface that appeared favourable for batting. South Africa seized the early momentum, with openers Marques Ackerman and Aiden Markram putting on a formidable 140-run partnership before the lunch interval. Ackerman, competing in only his second Test, batted aggressively to score 95 off 94 balls, including 12 fours and two sixes, before he was stumped off the bowling of Nathan Lyon.
Following the dismissal of Ackerman, the momentum shifted decisively in Australia’s favour. The visitors managed to take six wickets for 74 runs across 25 overs, halting the hosts' progress. Markram fell for 78, caught at long leg off Josh Hazlewood, while Temba Bavuma was bowled for a duck by Lyon. Starc then began his initial assault, removing David Bedingham for 50 and dismissing Wiaan Mulder for a duck within the span of three balls.
South Africa sought to steady their innings through a 95-run partnership for the seventh wicket between Ryan Rickelton and Marco Jansen. The pair looked set to navigate the remainder of the day in a strong position until Australia opted to take the second new ball just before stumps. The decision proved tactical brilliance as Starc immediately reasserted his dominance.
Starc trapped Rickelton leg before wicket for 42 with his fourth delivery with the new ball and followed up by bowling Jansen for 52 just two balls later. He then proceeded to wrap up the South African innings by bowling Gerald Coetzee and claiming the wicket of Kagiso Rabada via leg before wicket with the first and third balls of his subsequent over. This late burst of four wickets in six balls ultimately capped the Australian recovery.
Heading into the crucial series decider, Australia underwent significant team changes. Steve Smith was excluded from the lineup due to a neck injury, marking one of four alterations following the team's defeat by an innings and 31 runs in the second Test in Gqeberha. To address the side's balance, the selectors brought in Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, batting all-rounder Cooper Connolly, and off-spinner Nathan Lyon. They replaced Smith, Nic Maddinson, Beau Webster, and Scott Boland.
The match holds high stakes as the final encounter of a series between two of the world's leading Test nations. With South Africa all out for 329, the visitors will now look to capitalise on the momentum generated by Starc’s late-day heroics when they commence their first innings on the second day of the Test.
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