Bavuma’s late wicket leaves South Africa 140-4 and 40 ahead on third day at Newlands

On the third day of the decisive third Test at Newlands on 29 October 2026, South Africa closed their second innings at 140 for four, a lead of 40 runs over Australia with six wickets remaining. Captain Temba Bavuma was bowled for 35 in the penultimate over of the day.

The match carries ranking implications: the winner of the series will occupy top spot in the Test world rankings, which Australia currently hold. It is the first Test at Newlands to be played in October; conditions have been warm but not the baking heat that typically opens cracks in the pitch. Australia’s Josh Inglis said: “The further it goes into ‌the game, I think it’s ‌only going to get harder and harder [to bat],” and added, “I’m not sure of a total [to chase]. You don’t ‌want them getting too many more than maybe 200 or so.”

Aiden Markram was the first wicket to fall, out for one when he picked out mid-off Travis Head from the bowling of Mitchell Starc, who finished the day with two for 29. David Bedingham followed, making 11 and falling on the pull, caught by Nathan Lyon off Josh Hazlewood.

Marques Ackerman provided resistance with 62 from 80 balls, his second half-century of the match after scoring 95 in the first innings. He was cramped by a Starc bouncer and caught at slip by Cameron Green; Ackerman wanted to review the decision but was unable to do so after the clock hit zero, and replays showed he was out.

Bavuma’s dismissal came off spinner Nathan Lyon in the penultimate over and left South Africa four down at the close. Matthew Breetzke and Ryan Rickelton will begin the fourth morning at the crease, aiming to add runs that would challenge Australia when they bat last.

Australia posted 429 in their first innings, a lead of exactly 100, powered by Josh Inglis who equalled his career best with 102, reaching his second Test century off 132 balls. Inglis was eventually caught by wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton off Simon Harmer, who finished with four for 104; Alex Carey scored 80 and Cooper Connolly was last out for 29, caught and bowled by Marco Jansen (three for 60).

Australia won the first Test by 214 runs in Durban and South Africa responded with a victory by an innings and 31 runs in Gqeberha, leaving the series level at 1-1; play resumes on the fourth morning with Matthew Breetzke on 19 and Ryan Rickelton on eight.