SA Playing XI Set for Newlands Test Against Australia

Cape Town: South Africa have finalised their team for the series-deciding third Test against Australia, which gets underway on Tuesday at Newlands. Gerald Coetzee has been included in place of the injured Anrich Nortje.

Coetzee will play Test cricket again after close to two years away from the format. He last appeared in a Test in November 2024 in Durban against Sri Lanka. Nortje picked up a groin injury in the second Test and will not feature in the final match.

The hosts have chosen to go with four fast bowlers and one spinner, Simon Harmer. Aiden Markram will also be available for part-time bowling, a role he filled in the last two Tests.

Markes Ackermann, who debuted in the previous match, will walk out to open with Markram. Ryan Rickelton continues as wicketkeeper. Kyle Verreynne and Keshav Maharaj remain out of the side.

South Africa claimed the ODI series 2-1. Australia won the opening Test by 214 runs. South Africa levelled the series with an innings and 31-run win in the second Test, setting up a final showdown.

In that second Test, South Africa were 92 for 5 at one stage but recovered through Temba Bavuma (179), Marco Jansen (85) and Simon Harmer (82). They declared at 425 for 9. Australia were limited to 99 in their first innings and then 295 in their second after following on.