Inglis and Careys Twin Half-Centuries Put Australia in the Lead

Australia took control of the third Test in Cape Town, thanks to a superb unbeaten 145-run partnership between Josh Inglis and Alex Carey in response to South Africa’s first-innings total. At the end of the second day, Australia had reached 330 for 4 in their first innings, taking a one-run lead over South Africa with six wickets still in hand.

In the final session of the second day, Inglis and Carey gave the Proteas bowlers no opportunities to strike. Resisting the pressure and keeping the innings on track, Josh Inglis remained unbeaten on 85 off 111 balls, while the cautious Alex Carey finished the day on 51 off 126 deliveries.

Earlier, Australia made a promising start as Travis Head and Matt Renshaw added 58 runs for the opening wicket. However, spinner Simon Harmer brought South Africa back into the contest by claiming two wickets in a single over. He bowled Head, who had scored 41, before dismissing Marnus Labuschagne for a duck, caught by Aiden Markram at slip. Australia went to lunch at 90 for 2.

After the break, Matt Renshaw and Cameron Green steadied the Australian innings, adding 126 runs for the third wicket. Renshaw scored 74, while Green contributed 65 to put their side in a strong position. However, shortly before tea, fast bowler Marco Jansen struck twice in quick succession to dismiss both batters. Australia suddenly found themselves in trouble, slipping from 184 for 2 to 185 for 4.

For South Africa, Marco Jansen took two wickets for 37 runs, while Simon Harmer claimed two wickets for 84 runs.

Earlier, South Africa had been bowled out for 329 in 82.3 overs in their first innings. Marques Ackerman top-scored for the hosts with 95 runs, while Aiden Markram contributed 78. For Australia, left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc was the standout performer, claiming six wickets for 72 runs.