Starc's Six-Wicket Burst Gives Australia Edge After SA's 329

Mitchell Starc's dominant display on the opening day of the third and final Test in Cape Town has shifted the momentum to Australia. South Africa were bowled out for 329 in their first innings, and former batter Harshal Gibbs has cautioned the home bowlers as the match moves into day two.

Gibbs believes the pitch at Newlands will favour batters on the second day. He views the conditions as a clear opportunity for Australia's batsmen to score heavily.

Writing on the social media platform X on Wednesday, Gibbs said, “The sky is clear at Newlands today, and this is an excellent time to bat. Score plenty of runs.” His comments came as South Africa's bowlers prepared for another challenging session.

Gibbs, who has scored two Test hundreds at Newlands and played domestic cricket in Cape Town, had earlier stressed the importance of batting on days two and three. He said Australia's attack would be difficult to face, while South Africa's batting order needed to show more stability.

Capt Pat Cummins sent South Africa in after choosing to bowl first. The visitors began well and were 158 without loss before Nathan Lyon's wicket in the 32nd over opened the match.

Starc then dismantled the middle and lower order. He ended the day with 6 wickets for 72 runs in 16.3 overs. His spell included four wickets in six balls, and it was the 20th time in his Test career that he took five or more wickets in an innings.

That burst transformed what had looked like a tough day for Australia into a strong position. With South Africa finishing on 329, the visitors now have a chance to make use of the batting conditions Gibbs has pointed to.

South Africa's bowlers still have the opportunity to apply pressure in the decisive contest. Travis Head and Matt Renshaw will open the innings for Australia. Renshaw will want to replicate his first Test performance, when he made 190 and 82 against South Africa.

Head comes into the match after a century of 121 in the second innings of the previous Test. Cameron Green, Josh Inglis and Cooper Connolly have also returned to the squad, giving Australia several options to strengthen their batting in the series finale.