SA vs AUS 2026: Third Test match preview

The Newlands in Cape Town is all set to host the series decider between South Africa (SA) and Australia (AUS), which will get underway on Tuesday, October 27, with the fifth day’s play scheduled for Saturday, October 31. The series is currently tied at 1-1, after the hosts made an emphatic comeback in the second Test to script a dramatic win in Gqeberha.

South Africa were completely outplayed in the series opener, with the Australians displaying their level best to take an early advantage in the three-match series. However, skipper Temba Bavuma’s awe-inspiring knock in the second Test best defined the fightback the Proteas had to make to draw levels and allowed for a mouthwatering series decider.

Australia, on the other hand, gained an important 1-0 lead in Durban before biting the dust in the Gqeberha Test. Currently placed first on the World Test Championship 2025-27 points table, a win in Cape Town will nearly confirm a berth for the Pat Cummins-led side in the final, set to be played in June 2027 at the Lord’s, London.

SA vs AUS: Match Details

Newlands, Cape Town: Pitch Report

The pitch at the Newlands in Cape Town is known to produce lively tracks, offering a lot of bounce and pace. The track is expected to have an opportunity to score runs on the first couple of days. However, the surface will slow down day three onwards with bowlers expected to dominate through and through. Opting to bat first could be a wise decision on this surface.

SA vs AUS: Head-to-Head Record in Tests

SA vs AUS: Predicted Playing 11s

South Africa

Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (C), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje

Australia

Nic Maddinson, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey, Beau Webster, Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Scott Boland