Starc takes four wickets in six balls as Australia fight back
Starc’s late burst rescues Australia after they conceded 203 for one on the opening day in Cape Town.
Mitchell Starc took four wickets in six deliveries with the second new ball to help Australia restrict South Africa to 329 on the first day of the third Test in Cape Town on Tuesday. South Africa reached 203 for one before losing five wickets for 29 runs in the afternoon session. Starc finished with six for 72 after removing Ryan Rickelton, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada in quick succession.
Marques Ackerman scored 95 and Aiden Markram made 78 for the hosts. Aiden Markram, David Bedingham and Wiaan Mulder were all dismissed attempting to hook short-pitched deliveries. Nathan Lyon took two wickets, including Ackerman who was stumped and captain Temba Bavuma who was bowled.
Australia chose to bowl after winning the toss under clear skies. The result leaves the series level at one win apiece, with the winner finishing atop the World Test Championship table.
CricHubb Take
Australia’s decision to bowl first paid off because the second new ball, not the first, did the damage — a reminder that how you time your strikes still matters more than how many wickets you take early.