Inglis 85 not out, Carey 51 put Australia 1 run ahead at stumps in third Test at Newlands

Australia reached 330 for four at stumps on Day 2 of the third Test against South Africa at Newlands on Wednesday, finishing one run ahead of South Africa’s first-innings 329 after Josh Inglis remained unbeaten on 85 and Alex Carey 51 not out.

South Africa were all out for 329 on the opening day, leaving this match as the series decider with the contest level at 1-1; Australia won the first Test by 214 runs in Durban while South Africa replied with an innings-and-31-run victory in Gqeberha. Inglis had been brought into Australia’s side after Steve Smith was ruled out through injury.

Australia’s top order began briskly as Matt Renshaw and Travis Head put on 58 for the first wicket, Head scoring 41 before Simon Harmer struck with his first ball of the match, the batter chopping on to his stumps while playing off the back foot. The Newlands surface offered easier batting on Day 2, reducing chances for South Africa’s bowlers and allowing the visitors to press their advantage.

Harmer then dismissed Marnus Labuschagne for a duck, Labuschagne edging to Aiden Markram at slip, after which Renshaw and Cameron Green rebuilt the innings with a 126-run partnership for the third wicket. Renshaw finished on 74 and Green made 65, the stand rescuing Australia from a precarious position.

Their partnership ended when Marco Jansen removed both batters in quick succession; Renshaw was caught behind by Ryan Rickelton and Green edged one to Harmer at slip. Those dismissals briefly swung the contest back towards South Africa before the lower middle order steadied the innings.

Josh Inglis and Alex Carey then put together an unbeaten 145 for the fifth wicket to take Australia past the hosts’ total, Inglis finishing 85 off 111 balls and Carey 51 not out as Australia closed the day with six wickets in hand. Contributions came from multiple top-order players as the tourists capitalised on the improved batting conditions.

Play resumes on Day 3 with Australia holding six wickets in hand and the match serving as the series decider; the winner of this Test will claim the No. 1 position in the Test rankings, which is currently held by Australia.