With South Africa bowled out for 329 after losing nine wickets for just 126 runs, Gibbs highlighted the opportunity awaiting Australia’s batters on day two, when the visitors began their reply under clear skies. Former South Africa batter Herschelle Gibbs has urged the Proteas to make the most of the batting-friendly conditions at Newlands after Mitchell Starc’s six-wicket haul triggered a dramatic collapse on the opening day of the third and final Test against Australia in Cape Town. “Pretty sure it’s cloudless skies at Newlands today and what a time to bat! Fill your boots,” Gibbs wrote on X on Wednesday.
South Africa had appeared firmly in control after Australia captain Pat Cummins elected to bowl first, racing to 158 without losing a wicket. he also expressed concern over the uncertainty surrounding the hosts’ batting line-up While acknowledging the challenge posed by Australia’s bowling attack. However, Nathan Lyon’s breakthrough in the 32nd over opened the door for an extraordinary Australian comeback, with Starc subsequently dismantling the middle and lower order.
The former South Africa international, who played domestic cricket in Cape Town and scored two Test centuries at Newlands, had earlier pointed to the importance of batting conditions on the second and third days of the match.
Renshaw will be keen to reproduce his performance from the first Test against South Africa, where he scored 190 in the first innings and followed it with 82 in the second. Head, meanwhile, enters the contest after producing a second-innings century of 121 in the previous Test. Cameron Green, Josh Inglis and Cooper Connolly have also returned to Australia’s side for the series decider, giving the visitors several opportunities to strengthen their position with the bat.
Australia have turned to Travis Head and Matt Renshaw to open the innings, bringing back a combination previously used against Bangladesh.
