Newlands, Cape Town hosts the third and final test match between South Africa and Australia, the game gets under way on Tuesday and with the series all square at 1-1 this is the proverbial decider
The first test was staged at Kingsmead, Durban and Australia (390 and 340/6 declared) beat South Africa (284 and 206) by 214 runs.
The second test at St. Georges was an entirely different match. Play was severely affected by rain in the early stages of the test and although South Africa (batting first after losing the toss) were in trouble at 40/4 they recovered to post 425/9 declared with Bavuma top scoring with 179 and down the order Jansen (85) and Harmer (82) put the hosts in a position where they were never going to lose but needed to bowl Australia out twice in order to win. Scott Boalnd took 5 wickets and Starc took 3.
Australia’s first innings lasted just 42.3 overs, all out for 99 with Jansen taking 5 wickets and Australia were invited to follow on. In their second knock Travis Head’s 121 gave them every chance of the draw and protecting the series lead but from 100/1 regular wickets fell, 4 for Rabada and 3 for Mulder and Australia were all out for 295 and South Africa won by an innings and 31 runs.
This was how the teams lined up at St. Georges
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje
Australia: Nic Maddinson, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland
Team News
Anrich Nortje has been ruled out through injury leaving the Proteas with a decision to make in terms of going with 2 spinners or a replacement seamer. Australia may shake things up with Josh Inglis and Cameron Green likely to be available.
The Venue, St. Newlands, Cape Town
Recent Results
3–6 Jan 2025: South Africa beat Pakistan by 10 wickets
3–4 Jan 2024: India beat South Africa by 7 wickets
11–14 Jan 2022: South Africa beat India by 7 wickets
3–7 Jan 2020: England beat South Africa by 189 runs
3–7 Jan 2019: South Africa beat Pakistan by 9 wickets
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3rd Test Betting
Prices quoted from Sportingbet are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
South Africa are 9/10 to win the test with a draw at 15/2 and Australia can be backed at 6/5
The Verdict
South Africa are favourites for the first time in this series on the back of a thrilling last couple of days in the second test at St. Georges. Australia have thrown in a recent shocker before and bounced back, the home series against Bangladesh being the case in point so I wouldn’t rule out either side. The weather forecast right now is excellent so we can probably take the draw out of the equation.
I will return on Monday with the plays when we have some price boosts to work with.
Bets: To follow
Note, prices are subject to change