Proteas eye top spot in Newlands decider

South Africa has the chance to claim the series and move to the top of the world Test rankings when they face Australia in the third and final Test at Newlands in Cape Town on Tuesday.

The series is level at 1-1 after the Proteas bounced back from a 214-run defeat in Durban to win the second Test in Gqeberha by an innings and 31 runs.

Play at Newlands is scheduled to begin at 10.30am, with the match running until Saturday, 31 October, if all five days are needed.

Captain Temba Bavuma led South Africa’s recovery at St George’s Park with 179, while all-rounder Marco Jansen contributed 85 and took six wickets in the match.

The Proteas dismissed Australia for 99 in their first innings and enforced the follow-on before bowling the visitors out for 295.

Fast bowler Gerald Coetzee returns to the Test side in the only change to the team that won in Gqeberha.

He replaces Anrich Nortje, who sustained a groin injury during the second Test.

Coetzee, who last played a Test in November 2024, joins an attack featuring Kagiso Rabada, Jansen and spinner Simon Harmer.

Ryan Rickelton retains the wicketkeeping gloves.

According to the International Cricket Council, a South African victory would also take the Proteas above Australia at the top of the World Test Championship standings.

Sources: International Cricket Council, 26 October; Cricket Australia, match preview; Reuters, 26 October.