Third Test between Proteas and Australia: Five Key Moments of Day One in Newlands

After two intense matches in which both teams suffered serious blows, South Africa and Australia head to Newlands for the final game of the heavy test cycle, which is tied at 1:1.

Australia delivered the first blow in Durban, followed by Themba Bavuma knocking Proteas off their feet with a powerful counter-attacking shot in Gqeberha.

Although the World Cup is not being played in Cape Town, the stakes remain high. A victory would allow South Africa to achieve a second consecutive home series win against their arch-rival and displace Australia from the world number one ranking.

For the Proteas team, which has repeatedly had to defend its status as Test Champions, this prospect is extremely attractive. Even after dethroning Australia in last year's Test World Cup final at Lord's, skeptics continued to label them 'paper champions.'

Nevertheless, fast bowler Ryan Rickelton is not planning to be distracted from the current task. He noted that after winning the World Cup, Bavuma spoke with the team, emphasizing that the goal is to leave a more long-term impression and confirm it by playing against the best teams in the world.

Rickelton added that Australia has long been the best and most powerful team in the world. He believes that even beating them on home soil is a huge achievement. However, speaking about the bigger picture, he mentioned the upcoming summer home tournament, which, if successful, could lead the team to the World Cup final in London in June.

He concluded that while both teams are in a very equal state, acknowledging that Australia holds a significant advantage in world cricket due to recent and past history. Currently, the team is simply fighting for the next day, hoping to have a good week.

The current 1:1 scoreline is reminiscent of the 2018 series, when the teams arrived in Cape Town after battles in Durban and Gqeberha. Rickelton, who did not participate in that confrontation, understands the importance of this familiar situation.

He stated that they are now in a similar 1:1 position before the final match of the series in Cape Town against a strong team, which adds confidence and significance. The team is set for a good performance, and success this week will give a significant boost to the team, coaching staff, and their methods. They are focused on achieving the current objective and maintaining stability in their approach to the games.

The third and final match is scheduled for Tuesday.

The fourth day of the match at St George's Park proved tense and action-packed, during which the Proteas team completely dominated, forcing Australia to fight for survival with a score of 156/4 in the second innings (trailing by 170 runs) after having to agree to a follow-on.

Marco Jansen demonstrated his mastery, concluding the rout of the Australian team in the first innings. In addition to previously distinguishing himself with a wrist shot, scoring 85 runs, Jansen led the South African team's attack with the ball.

This left-arm fast bowler took 5/33 in Australia's first innings, dismantling the opposition's middle order through relentless pace and sharp bounce. In his morning session, he removed the dangerous Travis Head, and then before lunch, twice in three balls, dismissed the dangerous Matt Renshaw and Alex Carey.

Holding a huge advantage of 326 runs after Proteas finished destroying Australia's last four wickets for only 30 runs after lunch, Temba Bavuma insisted on a follow-on without hesitation. Kagiso Rabada marked the milestone by taking his 200th Test wicket on home soil in Australia's first innings when he dismissed Mitchell Starc. While Wiaan Mulder helped the team by taking two crucial wickets, including a major success against Steve Smith for 28 runs shortly after the former Australian captain surpassed 11,000 Test runs.

The day was not without losses for both teams. Proteas fast bowler Anrich Nortje felt pain in his groin in the fourth over of the morning session and could not continue bowling for the day, which was a serious blow to South Africa's workload management. Meanwhile, the Australian batting lineup was changed in the second innings as Steve Smith dropped down the order due to constant neck strain that prevented him from playing in his usual fourth position.

Australia faced difficulties at the start of the second innings when Rabada dismissed Nick Maddinson for 8 runs. However, Travis Head (87*) and Marnus Labuschagne (39) showed commendable resilience, building a solid partnership of 92 runs to slow down the Proteas. Head helped Australia resist throughout the day and evening, scoring a half-century in the struggle and counter-attacking under the darkening sky and strong wind.

Just when it seemed Australia was ready to bat all day, the South African bowlers delivered decisive blows before sunset. Off-spinner Simon Harmer broke up a dangerous partnership by dismissing Labuschagne, and later caught Bo Bubster on a legitimate delivery for 8 runs. Meanwhile, Rabada returned to bowl against Matt Renshaw, who scored 11 runs. When Australia approached 156/4, still trailing by 170 runs, and night watchman Scott Boland prepared to continue the game on Thursday morning with Head.

The Proteas team delivered an outstanding day of Test cricket at St George's Park, managing to turn a precarious position early on the third day into complete dominance over Australia. Resuming play with a score of 97/5 after two rain-interrupted days, the South Africans launched a relentless counterattack led by captain Temba Bavuma, who played a monumental career-best innings.

Following this, the Proteas concluded a dominant session, achieving immediate success with the new ball before dusk. This allowed South Africa to enter the fourth day confidently, completely changing the course of the match.

One of the main highlights was the impressive counterattacking performance of Marco Jansen. After the early dismissal of Vian Mulder, Marco Jansen joined Temba Bavuma and drastically changed the dynamic at St George's Park. This tall all-rounder scored 85 runs, hitting a half-century off 43 balls, which included seven fours and two sixes.

Jansen's aggressive play in partnership with the composed captain brought the Proteas back into contention before he was caught by Scott Boland, who secured a well-deserved five-wicket haul.

Leading by example under immense pressure, Proteas captain Temba Bavuma played a masterful century in the fifth Test, becoming the bedrock of South Africa's recovery. Overcoming the fatigue of marathon exertion and weathering Australia's aggressive short spells, Bavuma neutralized Pat Cummins with great composure, reaching his important milestone.

His steadfast effort lasted over six hours, earning him a standing ovation as he spearheaded his team's counterattack from a difficult situation.

Spinner Simon Harmer provided invaluable support in the middle order, scoring his maiden Test half-century, which intensified the frustration of the Australian side. In a crucial partnership with Bavuma for 183 runs off 277 balls, Harmer displayed remarkable calm against the second new ball, guiding Bo Weibster past dismissals to reach 50 runs off 116 deliveries.

He was eventually dismissed in a tenacious innings of 82 runs when Marnus Labuschagne got him out, preventing him from achieving a magnificent century.

Bavuma achieved his career-best Test score of 179 runs, surpassing his previous record of 172 against West Indies. Playing with grit and elegance, the captain propelled South Africa past 400 runs before ultimately nudging Mitchell Starc behind him, concluding a monumental innings.

Shortly after his departure, South Africa declared the innings at an impressive 425/9, leaving themselves two days to take 20 wickets to level the series ahead of the third Test in Cape Town.

After missing the ODI series and the first Test, Proteas were led by Kagiso Rabada, who provided a brilliant start with the new ball after South Africa declared late on the third day. In his very first over, Rabada forced Nick Maddinson to attack from the back foot, resulting in a touch that went straight into Harmer's hands for a slap for zero.

Rabada's early breakthrough put Australia at 0/1, forcing night watchman Scott Boland onto the field to navigate a tense final spell against the spin of Harmer and Aiden Markram as the light began to fade.