South Africa are in trouble in the third and deciding Test against Australia after losing four wickets in their second innings on Day 3. Australia have the upper hand at Newlands in Cape Town but the hosts need a batting masterclass on Friday October 30 to stay in the game.
At stumps on Thursday South Africa were 140/4 in their second innings leading Australia by only 40 runs. Hosts have six wickets remaining and need a big partnership to put pressure back on the visitors.
Day 3 Review: Josh Inglis Puts Australia Ahead
Australia started Day 3 at 330/4 and eventually scored 429 in first innings. Josh Inglis was the star of the innings with a century (102) and second Test hundred.
Alex Carey also chipped in with 80 runs. Their partnership gave Australia a 100 run first innings lead after South Africa had made 329.
South African spinner Simon Harmer was the most successful bowler with four wickets for 104 runs. Marco Jansen took three wickets as well.
Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon Trouble South Africa
South Africa needed a good start in their second innings but found it hard against Australia’s bowling attack.
Mitchell Starc got rid of Aiden Markram early on and later Marques Ackerman (62) was out. Josh Hazlewood got David Bedingham while Nathan Lyon got captain Temba Bavuma 35.
Bavuma and Ackerman tried to rebuild but their dismissals left South Africa under pressure.
Matthew Breetzke was still unbeaten on 19, Ryan Rickelton was unbeaten on eight when play finished.
Day 4 Preview: Can South Africa Fight Back?
South Africa’s biggest problem on Day 4 will be not losing early wickets. Breetzke and Rickelton need to get a partnership going before the lower order takes over responsibility.
The hosts will hope to get their lead over 200 runs so that bowlers have a realistic chance of defending the target but reaching that mark won’t be easy with Australia’s experienced bowling attack looking to finish the innings quickly.
The pitch has started to give more assistance to the spinners and batting may become increasingly difficult. Nathan Lyon will be a threat, Starc and Hazlewood can use the new ball to put further pressure on the South African batters.
Australia Aim to Seal the Series
Australia will want to make the most of their position and get South Africa out as quickly as possible. A low target would give their batters a good chance to chase victory and win the series.
The three match series is tied 1-1. Australia won the first Test by 214 runs while South Africa won the second by innings and 31 runs.
The winner of the Cape Town Test will win the series.
When and Where to Watch SA vs AUS 3rd Test Day 4
- Match: South Africa vs Australia, 3rd Test, Day 4
- Date: Friday, October 30, 2026
- Venue: Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, South Africa
- Start time: 2:00 PM IST
- TV broadcast in India: Eurosport
- Live streaming in India: FanCode app and website
South Africa have a difficult job ahead of them but a good partnership on Day 4 could turn the match around. Australia will want to maintain their advantage and win the series.
The match is still finely balanced as to the final result but Australia go into Day 4 in a stronger position.
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