Starc’s Six-Fer Sparks Australia’s Fightback as South Africa Fold for 329
Mitchell Starc's stunning six-wicket haul helps Australia recover from a poor start to bowl South Africa out for 329 on Day 1 of the 3rd Test.
In a dramatic opening day of the third and deciding Test at Newlands, Mitchell Starc produced a masterclass in fast bowling to haul Australia back into the contest. After a nightmare start that saw South Africa dominate the first session, Starc’s lethal spell of six wickets ensured the hosts were bowled out for 329, leaving the series tied 1-1 heading into Day 2.
A Dominant Start for the Proteas
The day began with Australian captain Pat Cummins winning the toss and opting to field. It proved to be a risky decision early on, as South Africa's openers, Aiden Markram and Marques Ackerman, completely dismantled the Australian attack. The duo put on a massive opening partnership of 158 runs, leaving Australia searching for answers.
By the time lunch was called, the hosts were cruising at 140 without loss. Ackerman was the aggressor, smashing 82 off 75 balls before the break, while Markram provided steady support with 56 off 87 deliveries.
The Turning Point: Lyon and Hazlewood Strike
The momentum began to shift after the lunch interval. Marques Ackerman looked poised for a century, but Nathan Lyon provided the crucial breakthrough, stumping him for 95. This ended the formidable opening stand and gave Australia a glimmer of hope.
South Africa attempted to stabilize, with Markram and David Bedingham adding 45 runs for the second wicket. However, Josh Hazlewood broke the flow by dismissing Markram for 78. The collapse accelerated in the very next over when Nathan Lyon cleaned up South African captain Temba Bavuma for a duck, leaving the hosts at 205/3.
The pressure continued to mount as all-rounder Cooper Connolly claimed his maiden Test wicket, trapping Matthew Breetzke for two following a successful DRS review. By tea, South Africa had slipped from a commanding 203/1 to 220/4.
The Mitchell Starc Show
The final session belonged to Mitchell Starc. In a devastating burst of bowling, Starc struck twice in a single over, removing a half-century maker in David Bedingham (50) and Wiaan Mulder (0), leaving the Proteas reeling at 232/6.
Just as Australia looked set to wrap things up, Marco Jansen and Ryan Rickelton fought back. The pair stitched together a gritty 95-run partnership, pushing South Africa to 327/6 in 80.3 overs and threatening to take the game away from the visitors once again.
However, Starc returned to silence the crowd. In another incredible over, he dismissed both Rickelton (42) and Jansen (52), reducing the score to 328/8. He didn't stop there, claiming the final two wickets of Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada in the following over to bowl South Africa out for 329 in 82.3 overs.
Bowling Summary
- Mitchell Starc: 6/72 in 16.3 overs
- Nathan Lyon: 2/71
- Josh Hazlewood: 1 wicket
- Cooper Connolly: 1 wicket
With the first innings concluded, Australia now faces the challenge of replying to a competitive total on Day 2 of this high-stakes series decider.