Australia take command in Cape Town after Inglis and Carey partnership

Australia seized control of the deciding ICC World Test Championship Test against South Africa in Cape Town, reaching 468 for four by stumps on the second day to establish a substantial first-innings lead.

Replying to South Africa’s 329, Australia recovered from early pressure through a 126-run third-wicket stand between Matt Renshaw and Cameron Green. The partnership carried the visitors to 184 for two before South Africa struck twice through Marco Jansen shortly before tea.

Renshaw, who had returned to the top of the order in place of Nic Maddinson, made a determined 74. His dismissal gave Jansen his 100th Test wicket, making the South African quick the latest player to reach the milestone in the match.

Jansen soon removed Green for 65, ending an important contribution from the all-rounder, who had moved up to No. 4 following Steve Smith’s injury. The two batters had completed their half-centuries in consecutive deliveries earlier in the day, helping Australia regain momentum after a difficult opening period.

Recalled batter Josh Inglis then joined wicketkeeper Alex Carey and the pair carried Australia through the remainder of the innings without further damage. Inglis was unbeaten on 85 and Carey on 51 at the close, with their unbroken 145-run partnership taking Australia well beyond South Africa’s total.

Australia’s innings had begun positively when Renshaw and Travis Head put on 58 for the first wicket. Off-spinner Simon Harmer ended the stand by bowling Head for 41, then struck again almost immediately when Marnus Labuschagne edged to first slip for a five-ball duck. The double blow briefly increased pressure on Australia’s top order before Renshaw and Green rebuilt.

South Africa had earned their first-innings total after a strong start on the opening day. Aiden Markram and Marques Ackerman added 158 for the first wicket, with Ackerman falling for 95 while attempting to advance down the pitch, five runs short of a maiden Test century. Markram made 78, while David Bedingham scored 50 and Marco Jansen contributed 52.

The hosts had reached 327 for six late in the first day, but Mitchell Starc changed the course of the innings with a spell using the second new ball. He finished with six for 72, claiming the 20th five-wicket haul of his Test career, as South Africa lost their final four wickets for only two runs.

The match is the third and final contest of the series, which is level at one win apiece. Australia won the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs, while South Africa responded with an innings-and-31-run victory in Gqeberha. The Cape Town Test runs from 27 to 31 October.

The match also marked a major milestone for Richard Kettleborough, who became only the fifth umpire to stand in 100 Tests. The 53-year-old joined Aleem Dar, Steve Bucknor, Rudi Koertzen and Rod Tucker in the century club.