Proteas coach Shukri Conrad will be breathing fire after exhillarating opening day of the third Test against Australia at Newlands. 

Conrad could only look on as his team tossed away a dominating position to be bowled for 329 when stumps were called. 

Marques Ackerman and Aiden Markram provided the early fireworks through rapid half-centuries but Mitchell Starc’s late burst ensured Australia finished the opening day of the series-deciding third Test at Newlands with renewed belief.

On a glorious Cape Town day, the Proteas looked set for a commanding total after an explosive opening partnership between Ackerman and Markram. But Australia fought back in the afternoon, and Starc struck a decisive blow late in the day to prevent the hosts from fully capitalising on their excellent start.

Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl, a decision that initially appeared to backfire spectacularly as South Africa raced to 140 without loss at lunch. Ackerman and Markram took full advantage of a good batting surface, putting the Australian attack under pressure with electrifying strokeplay.

Ackerman was particularly aggressive, reaching 95 before falling just five runs short of a maiden Test century. Nathan Lyon drew him out of his crease, allowing wicketkeeper Alex Carey to complete the stumping and end a superb opening stand worth 158. 

Markram continued to anchor the innings, compiling a fluent 78 before Josh Hazlewood found the breakthrough, with Starc taking an excellent catch in the deep. Australia had finally made inroads, and the contest began to swing.

The dismissal of Markram was followed by a difficult period for the hosts. Temba Bavuma was bowled by Lyon for a duck, while Matthew Breetzke fell to Cooper Connolly for two, leaving South Africa under pressure after their dominant morning.

From 203/1, the Proteas plunged to 232/5 in a manic mid-afternoon session. 

David Bedingham steadied the innings with a composed 50, but Starc returned to make further inroads, removing Bedingham and Wiaan Mulder in quick succession. The Australian left-armer then continued his late assault as the Proteas lost their remaining wickets, with Jansen’s valuable 52 providing a crucial contribution from the lower order. 

Starc finished the day as the chief destroyer in Australia’s recovery, which saw South Africa dismissed for 329 after looking capable of posting a substantially bigger total.