SA v Australia third Test: Inglis and Carey put Australia ahead at Newlands after day two

Australia head into day three of the series-deciding third Test against South Africa at Newlands with the upper hand. An unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 145 between Josh Inglis and Alex Carey carried the tourists to 330 for 4 at stumps on Wednesday, one run ahead of South Africa's first-innings 329, with the series level at 1-1.

Starc sets it up on day one

Australia won the toss and chose to bowl on Tuesday, and South Africa looked well placed for much of the day. Marques Ackerman struck a career-best 95 from 94 balls before he was stumped off Nathan Lyon, one run short of a maiden Test century. Aiden Markram made 78, while Marco Jansen (52) and David Bedingham (50) also passed fifty.

Mitchell Starc dragged Australia back into the contest. The left-armer finished with 6 for 72, his best Test figures against South Africa and his 20th five-wicket haul in the format. South Africa's tail fell away dramatically late in the day, losing their last four wickets for two runs as they slid from 327 for 6 to 329 all out. Lyon also bowled Temba Bavuma for a duck, and Cooper Connolly picked up his first Test wicket when he trapped Matthew Breetzke lbw for 2.

Top order answers the call

Australia's reply on day two was built on two big partnerships. Matt Renshaw, who survived a review on an umpire's call for height, made 74 and shared 136 for the third wicket with Cameron Green before he was caught behind attempting an uppercut off Jansen shortly before tea. Green struck two sixes in one over from Kagiso Rabada on his way to 65 from 110 balls, before he edged Jansen to slip, where Simon Harmer held the catch.

Harmer's off-spin produced the other breakthroughs. Travis Head chopped on for 41 and Marnus Labuschagne edged to slip without scoring, and at 185 for 4 the innings was in the balance.

Inglis and Carey take control

Inglis and Carey then batted through the evening session without being separated. Inglis went to stumps unbeaten on 85 from 111 balls, while Carey ground out the slowest Test half-century of his career and was 51 not out. South Africa switched to a replacement ball late in the day, but the pair kept scoring.

Harmer finished the day with 2 for 84 and Jansen with 2 for 37, and the hosts will need early wickets on Thursday to keep the deficit manageable on a pitch where they will bat last.

How the series got here

The three-match series has swung sharply. Australia won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs before South Africa hit back with victory by an innings and 31 runs in Gqeberha, meaning the winner at Newlands takes the series. The Test is scheduled to run until Saturday, 31 October.

For viewers in Malaysia, play begins at 10.30am local time in Cape Town, which is 4.30pm Malaysia time, with stumps scheduled for late evening Malaysia time.

Key takeaways

• Australia were 330-4 at stumps on day two, one run ahead of South Africa's 329.
• Josh Inglis (85*) and Alex Carey (51*) added an unbroken 145 for the fifth wicket.
• Mitchell Starc's 6-72 on day one was his 20th Test five-wicket haul.
• Marques Ackerman fell for 95, one short of a maiden Test hundred.
• The series is level at 1-1, so the Newlands winner takes the trophy.

FAQ

Q: What is the series score between South Africa and Australia?

It is 1-1. Australia won in Durban by 214 runs and South Africa won in Gqeberha by an innings and 31 runs, so the third Test in Cape Town decides the series.

Q: What time does play start in Malaysia?

The first session starts at 10.30am in Cape Town, which is 4.30pm Malaysia time.

Q: Who has taken South Africa's wickets so far?

Off-spinner Simon Harmer and all-rounder Marco Jansen have two wickets each. Harmer removed Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, while Jansen dismissed Matt Renshaw and Cameron Green.

Sources: cricket.com.au, Sky Sports, Australian Associated Press, ESPNcricinfo, ABC News