Mitchell Starc and the Australian bowling attack stage a stunning fightback against South Africa on day one.
Australia avoided an immediate disaster on day one of the third Test in Cape Town as a ferocious bowling fightback rescued captain Pat Cummins from joining an infamous club of skippers who regret choosing to bowl first.
South Africa reached a dominant position of 329 all out thanks to strong knocks from Marques Ackerman and Aiden Markram, punishing an Australian bowling attack that struggled during the opening session under blue skies, according to information published by BBC.
However, a remarkable late spell from Mitchell Starc and disciplined afternoon fielding dragged Australia back into the match before the end of the opening day of five in this crucial series decider.
Pat Cummins toss decision and early struggles
Captain Pat Cummins elected to bowl first after citing moisture in the wicket, a choice that immediately backfired as South Africa plundered the bowling attack through the opening session at a rate of more than four runs per over.
The early onslaught forced spinner Nathan Lyon into the attack after just eleven overs, marking the earliest an Australian spinner has entered the match after a bowling decision since Shane Warne back in the year 2000.
The questionable call at the toss appeared designed to protect a fragile Australian batting line-up missing key players, leaving fans back home fearing the worst as the Proteas established a commanding opening partnership.
South Africa collapse and Mitchell Starc heroics
South Africa looked firmly in control at 203-1 before careless batting saw them slip to 232-6, with Aiden Markram, David Bedingham, and Wiaan Mulder all falling cheaply while attempting to take on the short ball.
Marques Ackerman fell just short of a maiden Test century on 95 after running past a delivery from spinner Nathan Lyon, while captain Temba Bavuma was once again undone by an off-spin delivery.
At 327-6, South Africa still threatened a massive total before Mitchell Starc claimed four wickets in six deliveries with the new ball, cleaning up the tail to dismiss the hosts for 329 all out.
Australia batting concerns and historical context
Despite the successful fightback on day one, Australia remains an imperfect side heading into the rest of the match, with a flawed batting order missing the injured Steve Smith and opener Nic Maddinson.
Batsman Marnus Labushagne retains his place despite a lengthy century drought, while Josh Inglis and Cameron Green return to the red-ball setup without recent competitive match practice behind them.
Captain Pat Cummins narrowly avoided joining the unwanted club of skippers who regret bowling first, but his fragile batting unit must now perform to ensure a positive result in this pivotal Test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Pat Cummins choose to bowl first in Cape Town?
Australian captain Pat Cummins chose to bowl first after observing moisture in the pitch, hoping his pace attack would make early breakthroughs under blue skies.
How many wickets did Mitchell Starc take against South Africa?
Mitchell Starc finished with brilliant figures of 6-72, including four crucial wickets in just six deliveries at the end of the day.
Who were the top scorers for South Africa on day one?
Opener Marques Ackerman top-scored for South Africa with 95 runs, while Aiden Markram contributed a strong knock of 78 runs before falling to the short ball.
What is at stake in this Test match between South Africa and Australia?
This third Test in Cape Town is a series decider, with the winner finishing the series at the top of the international cricket rankings.
