Australia Takes Narrow Lead Against South Africa in Third Test

In a gripping contest at Newlands, Australia finished Day 2 of the third Test with a narrow lead over South Africa, reaching 330/4 in their first innings. A crucial unbeaten partnership of 145 runs between Josh Inglis and Alex Carey propelled Australia ahead, with Inglis scoring 85 and Carey 51 not out. Despite early setbacks, the middle order's recovery and the duo's resilience put Australia in a promising position as they head into Day 3, leading by just one run over South Africa's first innings total of 329. The match remains finely poised as both teams vie for dominance.

By Narendra Chaudhary Oct 28, 2026, 22:49 IST

Australia Edges Ahead at Newlands

On Day 2 of the third Test at Newlands in Cape Town, Australia managed to secure a slim lead over South Africa, finishing with a score of 330/4 in their first innings. This was largely due to an impressive unbeaten partnership of 145 runs between Josh Inglis and Alex Carey. Inglis concluded the day with 85 runs off 111 balls, while Carey remained not out at 51 from 126 deliveries. Their efforts allowed Australia to surpass South Africa's first-innings total of 329, leaving them in a strong position with six wickets still in hand as they head into Day 3.

The Opening Stand and Middle-Order Recovery

Australia's innings began with openers Travis Head and Matt Renshaw forming a solid 58-run partnership. Head scored a quick 41 runs before Simon Harmer, the off-spinner, struck twice in quick succession, shifting the momentum towards South Africa. Harmer dismissed Head, who inadvertently chopped the ball onto his stumps, and also took out Marnus Labuschagne for a duck, with Aiden Markram catching the ball in slips. By lunch, Australia was at 90/2 after 27 overs, with Cameron Green and Renshaw stabilizing the innings following the early setbacks.

Post-lunch, Renshaw and Cameron Green built a significant 126-run partnership for the third wicket, both scoring half-centuries and helping Australia recover from Harmer's earlier strikes. Renshaw scored 74 runs before being dismissed by Marco Jansen just before Tea in the 50th over. Jansen followed up by taking Green's wicket for 65 runs in the next over, leaving Australia at 185/4 after a promising start of 184/2.

The Match-Turning Partnership

Despite South Africa's double strike, Inglis and Carey formed a vital unbeaten partnership in the final session, blending aggression with steadiness to shift the momentum back to Australia. Inglis effectively utilized his footwork and reverse-sweep against Harmer, while Carey provided stability at the other end. Their unbroken 145-run partnership brought Australia to 330/4 at stumps, giving them a narrow one-run lead in the first innings. For South Africa, Jansen took two wickets for 37 runs, while Harmer ended with figures of two for 84.

Earlier, South Africa was bowled out for 329 in 82.3 overs during their first innings, with Marques Ackerman being the top scorer at 95 runs, and Markram contributing 78. Mitchell Starc led the Australian bowling attack with impressive figures of 6/72.