Inglis Century Puts Australia in Command as Decisive Test Hangs in Balance

Australia edged into a strong position in the decisive third Test against South Africa after Josh Inglis produced a superb century to help the tourists build an 82-run first-innings lead by lunch on the third day at Newlands.

Resuming the morning session alongside Alex Carey, Inglis continued his impressive form and reached his second Test century, bringing up the milestone from 132 deliveries. The wicketkeeper-batter eventually matched his career-best Test score of 102, further strengthening Australia’s response to South Africa’s first-innings total of 329.

By lunch, Australia had advanced to 411 for 8, with Cooper Connolly unbeaten on 20 and Nathan Lyon on 1, leaving the visitors well-positioned to extend their advantage during the afternoon session.

Inglis and Carey laid the foundation for Australia’s dominance after resuming on the third morning. Carey contributed a valuable 80 runs, helping Australia seize control of the contest before both batters were dismissed by veteran spinner Simon Harmer, who emerged as South Africa’s most successful bowler with figures of 4 for 104.

Inglis was caught behind by wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton off Harmer’s bowling shortly after reaching his century, while Carey edged to Aiden Markram at slip to give South Africa a much-needed breakthrough.

The Proteas then struck twice in quick succession. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada trapped Australian captain Pat Cummins leg-before-wicket for a duck, while Gerald Coetzee claimed his first Test wicket in two years by dismissing Mitchell Starc for 11.

The match carries enormous significance beyond the series result. With the three-Test series locked at 1-1, the winner at Newlands will not only claim the series but also secure the No. 1 ranking in Test cricket, currently held by Australia.

Australia entered the decider with momentum from a commanding 214-run victory in Durban, while South Africa leveled the series with a dominant innings-and-31-run triumph in Gqeberha.

As the final Test heads into a crucial phase, Australia’s lower order will aim to push the lead beyond 100 runs, while South Africa will look to limit the damage and keep their hopes of a series-clinching victory alive.