
South Africa claimed a memorable 2-1 series victory over Australia after winning the third and deciding Test by 176 runs at Newlands, Cape Town. The three-match contest featured exceptional bowling performances, with fast bowlers exploiting movement and bounce while spinners played decisive roles as the series progressed.
Australia won the opening Test by 214 runs, but South Africa responded with an innings-and-31-run victory in Gqeberha before sealing the series in Cape Town. Mitchell Starc finished as the leading wicket-taker, while Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder also made significant contributions to South Africa’s historic comeback.
Here are top 3 wicket-takers from SA vs AUS Test series:
3. Wiaan Mulder – 10 wickets
Wiaan Mulder completed the top three with 10 wickets in the series. The seam-bowling all-rounder provided South Africa with valuable balance, delivering disciplined spells and striking at important moments.
Mulder’s contributions were particularly significant in the second Test, where he helped South Africa maintain pressure on Australia after Jansen’s early breakthroughs. His ability to bowl accurately and sustain pressure allowed the Proteas to keep the visitors from building substantial partnerships.
In the deciding Test at Cape Town, Mulder again played a crucial role. He picked up three wickets in Australia’s second innings, helping South Africa complete the victory after the visitors had taken a first-innings lead of 100 runs.
Mulder’s value to the team was not limited to bowling. His batting contributions also helped South Africa recover from difficult situations, making him an important part of the side’s overall balance.
2. Marco Jansen – 13 wickets
South Africa’s Marco Jansen finished second on the wicket-taking leaderboard, collecting 13 wickets in the series. The left-arm fast bowler was a major factor in the hosts’ comeback, combining bounce, movement and control to trouble Australia’s batting lineup.
Jansen delivered a standout performance in the second Test at Gqeberha, where he claimed a five-wicket haul in Australia’s first innings. His spell helped South Africa dismiss the visitors for 99 and build a massive lead, setting up the Proteas’ innings-and-31-run victory.
The all-rounder continued to make important contributions in the deciding Test. His ability to generate bounce from a good length made him difficult to score against, while his left-arm angle created problems for both right- and left-handed batters.
Jansen’s impact extended beyond his wicket tally. He also contributed valuable runs with the bat, making him one of South Africa’s most influential players across the series. His performances were central to the Proteas’ successful turnaround after losing the opening Test.
1. Mitchell Starc – 15 wickets
Australia’s Mitchell Starc finished as the leading wicket-taker of the series, claiming 15 wickets across the three Tests. The left-arm pacer was one of the most threatening bowlers throughout the contest, using his ability to swing the ball at pace to trouble South Africa’s batters.
Starc’s most memorable performance came in the deciding Test at Newlands. He produced a devastating spell on the opening day, claiming five wickets in South Africa’s first innings and helping Australia fight back after the hosts had looked set to build a substantial total. He finished that innings with a five-wicket haul, his 20th in Test cricket.
His ability to strike in clusters was particularly important for Australia. Starc repeatedly broke partnerships and prevented South Africa’s lower order from extending its advantage too far. His pace and late movement made him a constant threat, especially when the ball was new.
Despite Australia losing the series, Starc’s consistency and match-changing spells ensured that he finished at the top of the bowling charts.
Top 3 wicket-takers: Series summary
| Rank | Player |
| 1 | Mitchell Starc |
| 2 | Marco Jansen |
| 3 | Wiaan Mulder |
Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.
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