By Marco Jacobs
The series is tied 1–1, so the third Test at Newlands is a straight decider. It runs 27–31 October, with play starting at 10:30 a.m. local time in Cape Town. Cricket Australia’s match preview
South Africa arrive with the momentum after recovering from a 214-run loss in Durban to beat Australia by an innings and 31 runs in Gqeberha. Marco Jansen was central to that turnaround, contributing 85 runs and taking five wickets. Australia, meanwhile, need a stronger batting performance after that innings defeat.
The key selection question for South Africa is who replaces Anrich Nortje, ruled out of the rest of the series with a groin injury. Dane Paterson, Gerald Coetzee and Corbin Bosch are among the options. Australia may bring Cameron Green back into the XI after his abdominal strain, while Steve Smith is expected to be fit despite neck stiffness during the second Test. Cricket Australia’s team news and likely XIs
Newlands should make the contest between the fast bowlers and batters especially compelling. The ground has historically favoured pace: since 2020, quicks have taken 84 Test wickets there, compared with nine for spinners. Australia have the stronger overall record at the venue, but South Africa have won three of the teams’ last four Tests there. Venue and historical stats
What to watch: can South Africa’s attack carry its Gqeberha intensity into the decider, and can Green’s return steady Australia’s batting? South Africa have the confidence; Australia have the experience and a strong Newlands record. It looks finely balanced – and the series is on the line.