AUS vs SA 3rd Test live: Rabada Strikes Twice to Rock Aussie Chase

Kagiso Rabada strikes twice in the opening over of Day 5 to leave Australia reeling at 5/2 as they chase 288 in the thrilling series decider at Newlands

News Source: https://www.cricinfo.com/

The third and final Test match has been set wide open by an incredible start to the last morning at Newlands. Australia's chances were severely damaged in the opening over of the day as they are chasing a difficult goal of 288 runs for victory. With two wickets in his first over, South African pace leader Kagiso Rabada gave a masterclass in morning swing bowling, leaving the visitors completely stunned.

With Wiaan Mulder's outstanding 115 on Day 4 extending their second innings to 387 and setting a difficult target, South Africa started the day with a lot of motivation. Australia sent out Matthew Renshaw and the rest of the batting order in an attempt to soothe the jitters in the changing room. But Rabada had other ideas, and he placed the Australians at a disadvantage right away.

On his third delivery, Rabada struck from outside the wicket, dismissing Renshaw for a duck while the opener floated a catch to wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton down the leg side. The drama was far from done, notwithstanding the Newlands crowd's outburst. Australia was reduced to a perilous 5/2 after the top fast bowler dismissed Marnus Labuschagne for a golden duck on the very next ball, driving the arena into complete frenzy.

Even though Travis Head survived the rest of the hostile over and even scored a boundary off a fortunate edge, the psychological damage had already been done. This last day has become a classic battle of attrition as the three-match series is tied at one. Spin twins like Simon Harmer will become more dangerous as the ball ages since the pitch at Newlands is already exhibiting noticeable wear and tear.

With just eight wickets remaining, Australia will need to score 283 more runs to win, making it an uphill battle. South Africa smells blood in the water and knows they have a clear route to a historic series triumph. A thrilling and spectacular conclusion to an amazing Test series is anticipated by cricket fans worldwide.

FAQs:

Q: What is the target for Australia to win the 3rd Test match at Newlands?

A: Australia needs to score 288 runs in their fourth innings to win the Test match.

Q: Who turned the match in South Africa's favor on the morning of Day 5?

A: Kagiso Rabada turned the match by taking two wickets in the very first over of the day.

Q: Which Australian batsmen were dismissed for a duck by Kagiso Rabada?

A: Both Matthew Renshaw and Marnus Labuschagne were dismissed for ducks on consecutive balls.

Q: Who scored a century for South Africa in the second innings to set up this target?

A: Australia was left reeling at a precarious 5/2 after the first over of their chase.

Q: What is the current status of the three-match Test series between South Africa and Australia?

A: The series is currently tied at 1-1, making this third Test match the ultimate decider.