Matt Renshaw and Cameron Green scored gritty half-centuries in a 126-run third-wicket partnership to stabilize Australia’s batting order in the deciding fixture of the ICC World Test Championship series against South Africa.

Replying to South Africa's first-innings total of 329, the visitors were 184 for 2 before Marco Jansen broke through on Day 2 of the Cape Town Test. The pacer first dismissed Renshaw for a hard-fought 74, which also marked Jansen’s 100th wicket in Test cricket.

Shortly after, Jansen removed Green for 65, leaving recalled batter Josh Inglis and Alex Carey to navigate through to tea.

An unbeaten 145-run partnership followed from Josh Inglis (85*) and Alex Carey(51*), which helped the visitors take the lead in a wicketless final session of the day. 

Earlier in the day, Australia’s innings began with Travis Head and Renshaw putting on a brisk 58-run opening stand. Renshaw had shifted back to the top of the order to replace Nic Maddinson, while Green filled in at No. 4 in place of the injured Steve Smith.

The opening partnership was broken when off-spinner Simon Harmer bowled Travis Head for 41. Harmer struck again almost immediately, getting Marnus Labuschagne caught at first slip for a five-ball duck to increase the pressure on the struggling top-order batter.

Green and Renshaw then saw through the remainder of the morning session, completing their half-centuries in consecutive deliveries before Jansen's double strike checked Australia's momentum just before the tea break.