Australia mounted a dramatic recovery on the opening day of the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town, bowling the hosts out for 329 after a difficult start. Captain Pat Cummins initially chose to bowl under blue skies, a decision that risked joining the unfortunate group of skippers who regret fielding first.
Morning Struggles and Afternoon Revival
After a shaky start and an expensive first session where 140 runs were leaked at over four runs per over, Australia roared back into the match during the afternoon. South Africa’s aggressive approach against the short ball caused a dramatic collapse from 203-1 to 232-6. Aiden Markram fell for 78, David Bedingham made 50, and Wiaan Mulder departed for a duck, all while attempting to pull or hook.
Opener Marques Ackerman missed out on a century when he ran past a delivery from Nathan Lyon to be out for 95, while captain Temba Bavuma was bowled by Lyon for a single-figure score. Bavuma has now fallen to off-spin three times in three innings either side of scoring 179 last week. Lyon’s early introduction marked the first time an Australian spinner had been brought into the attack within 11 overs of choosing to bowl since Shane Warne in 2000.
Cummins explained his decision at the toss by stating it felt like there was moisture in the pitch, though the obvious explanation appeared to be protecting a struggling batting order. Australia’s batting line-up features significant flaws, with opener Nic Maddinson having been sent home after two Tests, Marnus Labuschagne retained despite a prolonged drought without a century, and Steve Smith sidelined with an injury. Furthermore, inclusions Josh Inglis and Cameron Green entered the match without competitive red-ball practice since March and August respectively.
Mitchell Starc’s Late Heroics
With South Africa reaching 327-6, the hosts threatened to take total control of the series decider, which determines which team finishes the series on top of the rankings. However, Mitchell Starc produced a devastating spell with the new ball in the final moments of the day.
Starc claimed four wickets in six deliveries, first removing Ryan Rickelton for 42 and Marco Jansen for 52. He then targeted the pads and stumps to bowl Gerald Coetzee and pin Kagiso Rabada lbw for ducks, wrapping up the South African innings at 329.
Starc finished with figures of 6-72. Australia’s bowlers ultimately spared Cummins from a disastrous start, though the ultimate result of the Test could have wider repercussions for the team moving forward toward next year’s Ashes.
Australia have yet to begin their first innings as the Cape Town Test continues.
