Inglis and Carey Put Australia on Top in Third Test

Josh Inglis scored an unbeaten 85 as Australia reached 330-4 at the close of the second day of the decisive third Test against hosts South Africa at Newlands on Wednesday. Australia hold a one-run advantage over South Africa’s first-innings total of 329, taking control of the match as they look to establish a commanding lead.

Partnerships Dominate Day Two at Newlands

Inglis, who replaced the injured Steve Smith in the starting lineup, combined with Alex Carey for an unbroken 145-run partnership for the fifth wicket, with Carey finishing the day on 51 not out. South Africa struggled in the field during a day where every Australian batter except Marnus Labuschagne managed to score. The Newlands pitch traditionally offers the best batting conditions on days two and three, providing minimal seam movement or swing for the home side’s pace bowlers.

Early Wickets Fall Before Australia Takes Control

Matt Renshaw and Travis Head put together 58 runs for the first wicket before spinner Simon Harmer claimed 2-84, removing Head with his opening delivery of the match when the batter chopped the ball onto his stumps off the back foot. Labuschagne extended his difficult run in Test cricket by falling for a duck, caught at slip by Aiden Markram off Harmer. Renshaw and Cameron Green subsequently added 126 runs for the third wicket, but both departed quickly after to fast bowler Marco Jansen, who finished with figures of 2-37. Renshaw fell to a catch by wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton, while Green edged a delivery to Harmer at the slip position.

Series Decider Hangs in the Balance

The unbroken stand between Inglis and Carey shifted the momentum back to Australia after the home bowling attack failed to maintain scoreboard pressure or generate significant wicket-taking chances. The three-match series remains tied at 1-1 after Australia secured a 214-run victory in the opening Test in Durban, and South Africa bounced back with an innings and 31-run win in Gqeberha. The victor of this final match will claim the number one spot in the Test world rankings, a position currently held by Australia.

Live coverage of the deciding third Test between South Africa and Australia resumes on Thursday at 8am on Sky Sports+.