Mitchell Starc takes six wickets for 72 runs in Newlands Test decider

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc produced a masterclass in pace bowling on the opening day of the third Test against South Africa, claiming six wickets to spearhead a late Australian fightback. Playing at Newlands in the decisive final match of the series, Starc finished with impressive figures of six for 72. His efforts were instrumental in dismantling the South African batting lineup after the hosts had established a strong position early in the day following their decision to bat first.

The highlight of Starc’s performance was an extraordinary spell where he claimed four wickets in just six deliveries, a burst that effectively broke the spine of the South African middle and lower order. Despite a solid start from the home side, they were eventually bowled out for 329. Marques Ackerman was the standout performer for South Africa, falling just five runs short of a century with a well-played 95, but his dismissal triggered a collapse that saw the hosts lose their final six wickets for only 74 runs.

Australia entered the match with a significantly altered lineup, making four changes to the side that competed in the previous Test. Most notably, the visitors were without senior batsman Steve Smith, who was forced to sit out the match due to a neck injury. This reshuffled Australian side capitalised on Starc's momentum to keep the contest balanced at the end of the first day. As the series hangs in the balance, Starc’s clinical display has set the stage for a competitive response from the Australian batsmen as they look to secure a series victory on South African soil.