Josh Inglis scored an unbeaten 85 and added 145 with Alex Carey as Australia reached 330 for four at stumps on day two of the decisive third Test at Newlands. South Africa had made 329, so Australia lead by one run with six wickets in hand.
Day Two Scoreboard Snapshot
Australia ended the day in a strong position on a pitch offering little seam or swing. Every batter except Marnus Labuschagne (0) got in and scored runs.
Inglis came into the side for the injured Steve Smith and made the most of the opportunity. His unbeaten innings anchored the final session.
| Batter | Runs | Dismissal / Status | Bowler |
|---|
| Matt Renshaw | 74 | Caught by Ryan Rickelton | Marco Jansen |
| Travis Head | 41 | Bowled (chopped on) | Simon Harmer |
| Marnus Labuschagne | 0 | Caught by Aiden Markram at slip | Simon Harmer |
| Cameron Green | Not specified | Edged to slip | Simon Harmer |
| Josh Inglis | 85* | Not out | - |
| Alex Carey | 51* | Not out | - |
Partnership Analysis
Australia's innings was built on three substantial stands. Together they account for 329 of the 330 runs scored.
| Wicket | Partnership | Batters | Status |
|---|
| 1st | 58 | Renshaw and Head | Ended by Harmer |
| 3rd | 126 | Renshaw and Green | Ended by Jansen and Harmer in quick succession |
| 5th | 145* | Inglis and Carey | Unbroken |
The Opening Stand
Renshaw and Head put on 58 for the first wicket. Harmer removed Head with his first ball of the match, as the batter chopped on while playing off the back foot.
It was a familiar mode of dismissal for Head in recent times. Labuschagne then fell for a duck, caught by Markram at slip off Harmer, extending his poor run in Tests.
The Third-Wicket Stand
Renshaw and Green added 126 for the third wicket, the second-largest partnership of the innings. Renshaw's 74 was the top score of the top order.
Both fell in quick succession. Renshaw was caught behind by Rickelton off Jansen, and Green edged Harmer to slip.
Inglis and Carey Rebuild
Inglis and Carey were unbeaten on 145 for the fifth wicket. Inglis contributed 85 of those runs, roughly 59 percent, and Carey 51, roughly 35 percent.
South Africa created few wicket-taking chances during the stand. They also failed to apply scoreboard pressure, which kept momentum with Australia.
| Batter | Runs | Share of 145-run stand |
|---|
| Josh Inglis | 85* | About 59% |
| Alex Carey | 51* | About 35% |
| Extras | 9 | About 6% |
South Africa's Bowling Returns
Harmer was the most productive bowler with three wickets of Australia's four falling to him in the top order phase, including Head, Labuschagne and Green. His figures of 2-84 reflect the cost of that threat. Jansen was the most economical wicket-taker with 2-37.
| Bowler | Wickets | Runs Conceded |
|---|
| Simon Harmer | 2 | 84 |
| Marco Jansen | 2 | 37 |
The Newlands surface is traditionally best for batting on days two and three. That held true, with little seam or swing for the home pace attack.
Batters' Perspective
Renshaw said the pitch felt good for batting, with a few balls starting to spin and a few that popped. He added that batters who applied themselves scored runs, and that the rapid outfield helped the scoring rate.
Series Context and Ranking Stakes
The series is level at 1-1. Australia won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs, and South Africa answered with an innings and 31 run victory in Gqeberha.
| Test | Venue | Result |
|---|
| First | Durban | Australia won by 214 runs |
| Second | Gqeberha | South Africa won by an innings and 31 runs |
| Third | Newlands | Australia 330/4 vs South Africa 329 (day two) |
The winner of this match will take the number one position in the Test world rankings. Australia currently hold it.
What to Watch on Day Three
Australia lead by just one run, so the size of the first-innings lead is the key metric. Inglis and Carey resume with a 145-run stand, and six wickets remain.
South Africa need early breakthroughs, as the pitch is expected to remain good for batting on day three. A lead of more than 100 would put real pressure on the home side's second innings.