After two contrasting, relatively one-sided games, the series moves to Newlands in Cape Town for the 3rd and final Test of this 3-match series, as hosts and defending WTC champions South Africa take on runners-up and current league leaders Australia. The match is set to commence on Tuesday, 27th October, 2026, at 2 PM IST. The series is level at 1-1 after Temba Bavuma‘s unit bounced back to win the second Test at Gqeberha.
Temba Bavuma will lead the rejuvenated Proteas, and despite winning the second Test, they will have areas to improve and will have to make one change to their playing XI, as Anrich Nortje has been ruled out, and he will be replaced by one of Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch or Dane Paterson. For Australia, Cameron Green is fit, and it seems he may be brought in for the final Test. Marnus Labuschagne’s position is being questioned by the experts, while Scott Boland-Nathan Lyon conundrum. Lots to talk about and discuss for both sides.
Overview
So, we are set for a blockbuster 3rd and final Test match, which is also going to be the series decider as South Africa takes on Australia in the 3rd and final Test at Newlands in Cape Town. The match is set to commence on Tuesday, October 27th, 2026, from 2 PM IST onwards. The series is level at 1-1 after South Africa’s stirring comeback in the second Test match at St. George’s Park, Port Elizabeth.
Temba Bavuma-led South Africa arrived for the second Test match down on confidence against Pat Cummins-led Australia, where Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl first under murky conditions. Rain dominated proceedings for the first two days as only 43 out of a possible 180 overs were bowled on the first couple of days. Scott Boland ripped the South African top order, reducing them to 92/5 and then 110/6 at the start of Day 3. But there was one man who stood out and fought like a warrior, and the Aussies had no answers to him. It was the captain himself, Temba Bavuma.
Bavuma was solid as a rock as he held one end up with stiff resistance while he was ably supported by Marco Jansen, who made 85 off 100 balls and changed the tempo of the game as the duo added 132 runs for the 7th wicket. Thereafter, Jansen fell, but Simon Harmer applied himself and made 82 off his own and added 183 runs for the 8th wicket as Bavuma made a sensational 5th Test hundred and first vs the Aussies as South Africa recovered to post a more than competitive 425/9 declared. Scott Boland picked up 5 wickets while Mitchell Starc picked up 3 wickets.
When Australia came out to bat in their first innings, Nic Maddinson fell in the first over to Kagiso Rabada while Scott Boland came and survived the rest of the evening with Travis Head as Australia were 3/1 in 4 overs at the end of Day 3. At the start of Day 4, a draw looked like a foregone conclusion. But things unravelled for the Aussies as they produced a horrendous batting performance, with Marco Jansen breathing fire with 5 wickets and Mulder chipping in as well. Steve Smith battled neck issues to score 28 runs. But the Aussies were bowled out for 99 and were behind by 326 runs.
Marco Jansen picked up 5 wickets while Mulder chipped in as South Africa decided to enforce the follow-on as we were midway through Day 4. In the second innings, Nic Maddinson went early to Rabada yet again. But Australia showed fight through Travis Head, who made a ton. Marnus Labuschagne got a start but gave his wicket away for 39 runs, while Renshaw fell early again and so did Webster. Scott Boland showed sheer courage for his 40 off 166 balls before falling in the final session of play. Steve Smith fell to a bad shot as he was not physically fine, while Pat Cummins fell cheaply as well.
Despite a spirited reply, Australia were bowled out for 295 and lost by an innings and 31 runs to keep the series at 1-1. Temba Bavuma was awarded the Player of the Match, with no surprises there. Now, as far as team news goes, South Africa will have to make at least one change with Anrich Nortje ruled out. Corbin Bosch, Dane Paterson and Gerald Coetzee are possible options to replace him. While Keshav Maharaj can be an option depending on conditions on offer. Other than that, South Africa will go in with a similar side, we feel.
Australia will have some questions to answer. Firstly, in the bowling department, based on conditions, do they need Nathan Lyon? If so, in place of which pacer? We feel Scott Boland has done nothing wrong to be dropped and should play the final Test. So maybe Josh Hazlewood, who was ill during the second day’s play in the second Test match, can be given a rest. Other than this talk, expect Starc and Cummins both to feature.
There will be loads of questions in the batting department. We are hearing Cameron Green is fit and could be included. Beau Webster’s position could be under threat. Even Marnus’ position is being questioned by some experts. What do you do with Nic Maddinson? Do you drop him and promote Matthew Renshaw to the top? So, we will see how Australia rejigs their side and gives their playing XI. Cape Town has bittersweet memories for the Aussies with the sandpaper gate that happened there in 2018. But they don’t have a bad record there. South Africa also have a decent record at Newlands.
The stage is set for an intriguing final Test match, the final chapter of the series, and we shall see which team finishes on top at the end of the Test match and takes the series 2-1.
Head-To-Head
South Africa and Australia have played against each other in a total of 104 matches. Out of which, Australia have won 55 games, South Africa have won 28 games, and 21 matches have ended in a draw. In the last 10 games, it’s been dead even at 5-5. It’s 1-1 in this series as well, with all to play for at Newlands.
Pitch & Weather ReportÂ
The pitch at Newlands, Cape Town, as described by players and support staff as another great true Test-match surface with good carry and bounce typical of Newlands. The seamers from both sides can expect early assistance with movement off the seam, while the spinners will come into play later in the match as the pitch wears. Historically, at Newlands, Cape Town, the average first innings score is 329 while the average second innings score is 369.
The weather will be mostly cloudy to partly sunny skies with a low chance of rain, which is around 5-10%. The temperature will be high around 18-19 degrees Celsius, and overnight morning lows will be around 14-16 degrees Celsius. There will be light to moderate south-westerly or southerly breezes around 3-11 mph with humidity hovering near 75-80% during the opening hours.
Predicted/Probable Playing XIs of both sides
Here, we will predict the probable playing XIs of both sides.
South Africa XI: Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson.
Australia XI: Matthew Renshaw, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood.
Key Players to watch out for in this clash
Temba Bavuma: The one-man army in the previous game, Temba Bavuma will be hungry for runs in this match as well. With the series on the line, the captain of South Africa will be ready to lead from the front and will be eager as well. Bavuma showed his class and was the difference between the two sides at Gqeberha. He will want to make a similar impact in this particular game as well.
Kagiso Rabada: The spearhead of the South African attack is back. Kagiso Rabada will want to continue his good work from the last game. He came back and made a big difference to the seam attack. The speedster will look to improve his performance and go one better. He looked rusty at times, but now he will be ready to unleash fury on the Australian batting line-up.
Steve Smith: Steve Smith battled neck issues in the previous game and showed character in the first innings, but the pain was too much as he fell cheaply in innings 2. Having now recovered from his neck issues, expect Smith to come to the party. Cometh the hour, cometh the man, as they say. Smith is a big match player, and the stakes could not be any higher. Expect the best batter to stand up and lead Australia’s response in this Test match.
Mitchell Starc: He is the spearhead of the Australian attack and is in good form. He picked up 3 wickets in the last match and looked in good rhythm. He is another big-match player, and Starc will be expected to reap rewards when he takes the new ball. He will be tasked with ripping apart the fragile South African top order and putting the visitors in a firm position.
Key Stats and Records to look out for in this clash
- Kagiso Rabada has taken 52 Test wickets and claimed at least 3 wickets in 5 of his past 6 innings at the venue.
- Mitchell Starc has averaged 141.2 km/hr in men’s Tests since 2025 and picked up 16 wickets at an average of 14.8 in his last three matches.
- Travis Head has scored 1145 runs at an average of 49.8 while opening compared to 3663 runs at 41.2 average batting in the middle order.
- Since the start of 2025, Australia has played attacking shots on 31.5% of deliveries, trailing only England who is at 34.6%. South Africa sits close behind at 30.2%.
- Historical high individual scores at Newlands include Ryan Rickelton’s 259 against Pakistan in January 2025 and Graeme Pollock’s 209* against Australia in December 1966.
Predicted/Possible Outcome of the Match
This Test match will be tough to predict. It’s a clash between two evenly matched sides. South Africa may have momentum, but every Test match is a new Test match. Australia will be ready to pounce as well. The record in Cape Town is decent for either side. Expect a thrilling Test match for sure. It’s hard to predict a winner so early. We may give South Africa an edge due to playing at home. But count the Aussies out at your own peril.
Let’s see how the decider of the series pans out in Cape Town.
Also Read: SA vs AUS: Arrogance Of Pat Cummins’ Brigade