South Africa tumbles from 140-0 to all out 329 in deciding Cape Town Test
South Africa collapsed from 140-0 at lunch to all out 329 after Starc took 6 for 72.
Australia chose to bowl first in the third Test at Cape Town. The gamble looked disastrous when South Africa's openers smashed 140 by lunch.
The visitors then took control on day one, dismissing the hosts for 329 after a dramatic collapse. Mitchell Starc was outstanding, taking 4 wickets in just 6 balls.
He finished with 6 for 72 as South Africa's tail crumbled. Cloud cover near the end of play brought swing into the equation, and the ball began to move sharply through the air.
South Africa's momentum evaporated when key players tried to continue aggressive batting instead of tightening up. The sudden turnaround vindicated Australia's risky decision to bowl.
What looked like a captain's disaster at lunch became a position of complete control by stumps.
- 140 without loss
- South Africa at lunch
- 329
- South Africa all out
- 6 for 72
- Starc's figures
- 4
- Wickets in six balls
Why it mattersThe result could determine the Test series outcome and shows how cricket can turn completely within a single day of play.
AustraliaAustralia has seized the advantage in a deciding Test against South Africa, crucial for the series result and Australian cricket's standing.
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