Content overview: “Australia fight back after South Africa openers smash 140 before lunch in deciding Cape To”. Australia's decision to bowl first in the deciding Test at Cape Town looked disastrous as South Africa's openers plundered 140 runs by lunch, evoking memories of infamous captaincy blunders. But the visitors clawed back dramatically, dismissing the hosts for 329 with Mitchell Starc's stunning spell But the visitors clawed back dramatically, dismissing the hosts for 329 with Mitchell Starc's stunning spell of four wickets in six balls ripping through the tail.
The fightback was crucial for an Australian side that has appeared frazzled throughout the tour, marked by confused selections and shot-making. They made four non-disciplinary changes for this match, the most since 1984, leaving out Steve Smith and Scott Boland. The rollercoaster day leaves the Test finely poised, with Australia needing a strong batting response to seize control of the series. This listing links straight to the original page, where the content is available in full.