The first day of the third Test between South Africa and Australia in Cape Town on Tuesday, October 27, proved to be highly exciting, with Mitchell Starc’s brilliant bowling taking center stage. Using the second new ball, Starc dismantled South Africa’s lower-order batting lineup, claiming a total of 6 wickets. As a result, the hosts suffered a major collapse and were bowled out for 329.
Mitchell Starc’s brilliant bowling taking center stage
On a hard, batting-friendly pitch, Pat Cummins’ decision to bowl first initially backfired. South African openers Marques Ackerman and Aiden Markram took the Australian pace attack to the cleaners during a blistering morning session. Playing in only his second Test, Ackerman batted aggressively to reach 82 runs by lunch—the highest score by a South African batter in an opening session. The pair forged South Africa’s first century-plus opening partnership in 42 innings, propelling the team to 140/0 by the lunch break.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically in the afternoon. Nathan Lyon provided the breakthrough by having Ackerman stumped; Ackerman had scored a brilliant 95 off 93 deliveries. Shortly thereafter, Markram fell for 78, attempting a hook shot off Josh Hazlewood that was caught by Starc, who dived to complete the grab. Lyon then claimed the wicket of Temba Bavuma, while part-time spinner Cooper Connolly dismissed Matthew Breetzke to secure his maiden Test wicket.
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Consequently, South Africa’s position slipped from 158/0 to 232/6. Although a counter-attacking partnership involving David Bedingham (50) and the lower-order batters (Ryan Rickelton and Marco Jansen) steadied the innings for a while, the second new ball proved lethal. With a fresh seam and sharp late swing, Starc wreaked havoc, claiming four wickets in just two overs. South Africa lost their final four wickets for the addition of only two runs, leaving Australia in a strong position after an eventful, see-saw opening day.
