South Africa and Australia are prepared for a high-octane affair with the third and final test of their series at Newlands in Cape Town. The three-match series is now 1–1, so both teams have everything to play for when the action starts on Tuesday, October 27.
Australia won the opening Test comfortably but South Africa showed up with a convincing reply in the second match. In the final Test that will decide which team wins the series. Will Temba Bavuma’s side keep its winning momentum or will Pat Cummins and Australia bounce back?
Australia wants control
Australia started the series with an emphatic 214-run victory in Durban. The team showed their ability to dominate in all three categories and put South Africa under pressure all day.
But the visitors did not perform well in the second test at Gqeberha. Their batting unit failed to cope with South Africa's bowling attack and Australia were dismissed for just 99 in their first innings.
Travis Head has been one of Australia's key batsmen in this series. The team will need more from its veteran batters - Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne - to defeat South Africa in Cape Town.
Australia will also need to find a way to handle the hosts' pace attack and avoid a second batting collapse.
South Africa Looking to Complete the Comeback
South Africa came into the second Test under pressure after losing the opener, but they provided a great all-round performance.
Temba Bavuma played a crucial role by scoring 179 runs in the first innings. His innings gave South Africa a strong position and Australia on the defensive.
Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada were equally important with the ball. Their efforts helped bowl Australia out for 99, setting up an innings-and-31-run victory.
South Africa will take that confidence and that knowledge in the test. Bavuma's leadership, Jansen's all-round ability and Rabada's pace may prove decisive once again.
The hosts have also made a change to their bowling attack, with Gerald Coetzee replacing the injured Anrich Nortje.
Newlands Pitch and Players to Watch
The Newlands surface in Cape Town is expected to assist fast bowlers early in the match. Seam movement and bounce could make the opening sessions challenging for batters.
South Africa will rely on Jansen, Rabada and Coetzee to exploit the conditions. Australia will rely on Head, Smith and their experienced bowling attack to deliver when it matters most.
Winning the toss and making the right decision could be important but both teams will need to adapt as the pitch changes over five days.
Who is most likely to win the series?
South Africa will be able to go into the decider with more confidence after their dominant second-test performance. But Australia are experienced enough to recover from the bad news and remain dangerous in a high-pressure game.
The outcome may depend on which batting unit handles the new ball better and which team makes better use of its fast bowlers.
The final Test on the other hand is all but certain to be a fascinating cricket match between two of the best cricket nations in the world.
Where and how can you watch SA vs Australia 3rd Test?
- Match: South Africa vs Australia, third Test
- Date: October 27–31, 2026
- Venue: Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, South Africa
- Start time in India: 2:00 PM IST
- Live telecast in India: Eurosport
- Live streaming in India: FanCode
- Australia broadcast: Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports
The series decider gives both teams a chance to finish off on a high. South Africa will try to regroup and Australia will aim to regain the upper hand. Who will win the final clash?
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