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Starc's six-wicket haul puts Australia ahead in South Africa Test decider

Australia recovered from a commanding South African start to seize the initiative on day two of the third Test in Cape Town, with an unbeaten partnership between the wicketkeepers taking them past their opponents' first-innings total.

28 October 2026Tagblick Newsdesk

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Archive photo: Starc's six-wicket haul puts Australia ahead in South Africa Test decider — Archive photoPhoto: NAPARAZZI · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0

South Africa batted first after Australia won the toss and chose to bowl. The decision appeared to backfire when South Africa reached 140 without loss at lunch, but the innings collapsed dramatically in the afternoon. Mitchell Starc took six wickets, including the final four in quick succession with the new ball, to dismiss South Africa for 329. The day proved eventful, marked by sharp momentum shifts.

Australia's reply began poorly and the team found itself under pressure after South Africa claimed two quick wickets on the second day. However, Australia rebuilt through a partnership between wicketkeepers Alex Carey and Josh Inglis. Their unbroken stand of 145 runs carried Australia to 330 for four at the close of day two, moving the hosts into a one-run lead heading into day three.

Steve Smith was ruled out of the Test after failing a late fitness test due to a neck injury. According to reports, Smith had been set to feature in the series decider before the withdrawal. Australia made four changes to their team for this match. The Test returns to Cape Town for the first time since the 2018 ball tampering scandal.

Inglis remained unbeaten on 85 while Carey was unbeaten on 51 as the Australian innings progressed on the second day. The partnership provided a crucial counterattack after South Africa had sought to consolidate its position through the double strikes that interrupted earlier Australian momentum. The recovery demonstrated Australia's ability to respond to setbacks within the same match.

South Africa's top order had contributed substantially to their first-innings total before the lower-order collapse. The hosts' decision to bowl first, made by captain Pat Cummins at the toss, had drawn comparison to other historic captaincy decisions, though the outcome ultimately vindicated the choice as South Africa's batting proved unable to establish a decisive advantage.

The contest remained unresolved as the Test moved into its third day, with Australia holding a slim lead but South Africa retaining opportunity to influence the outcome with the bat in a potential fourth innings.

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