Home Proteas Austrailia Series 2026 Proteas’ Bright Start Gives Way to Australian Fightback at Newlands

Proteas’ Bright Start Gives Way to Australian Fightback at Newlands

October 27, 2026

South Africa’s opening day in the final Test against Australia offered encouragement and frustration in equal measure. After a commanding start with the bat, the Proteas were dismissed for 329, leaving a fiercely contested series decider poised for an intriguing second day.

With the series level at 1–1, Pat Cummins chose to bowl first. For much of the morning, South Africa made that decision look costly. Marques Ackerman and Aiden Markram took the initiative, reaching lunch at 140 without loss and putting Australia’s attack under immediate pressure.

Ackerman gave the innings its early urgency. His willingness to attack prevented Australia from settling, while Markram helped provide the steady foundation South Africa needed. Ackerman eventually fell for 95, stumped by Alex Carey off Nathan Lyon—an agonising finish to an innings that had promised a maiden Test hundred.

The afternoon and evening brought a different challenge. Australia gradually recovered, and Mitchell Starc became the central figure in their response. His six-wicket haul helped turn a difficult beginning into a far more satisfying finish for the visitors. South Africa’s final total of 329 represented a substantial recovery for an attack that had struggled so badly early on.

For Proteas supporters, the question is whether that total will prove competitive or leave the side regretting a missed opportunity. The opening session showed the possibilities; the eventual dismissal showed how quickly those possibilities can narrow.

South Africa now need their bowlers to apply pressure from the outset. Australia, meanwhile, must turn their recovery in the field into a convincing batting performance.

One day has produced no clear verdict. It has, however, given this deciding Test plenty of tension.