Australia take Cape Town Test lead with four batters passing 50
Josh Inglis finished unbeaten on 85 and Alex Carey on 51 as Australia reached 4-330, replying to South Africa’s 329 in the series decider.
Australia moved ahead of South Africa on the second day of the deciding Test in Cape Town, reaching stumps at 4-330. Two century partnerships helped the visitors pass the hosts’ first-innings score of 329.
Matt Renshaw contributed 74 after returning to an opening role, while Green made 65 on his comeback from injury. Their third-wicket partnership was worth 136 before both fell in a short spell.
With Australia at 4-185, Josh Inglis and Alex Carey combined for an unbroken fifth-wicket stand of 145. Inglis ended the day on 85 and Carey on 51, taking Australia through the final session without another dismissal.
Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed without scoring, edging spinner Simon Harmer to slip after Travis Head had been bowled for 41. Marco Jansen later removed Renshaw, caught behind attempting an uppercut, and Green, who edged to slip.
The innings followed Australia’s dismissal for 99 in Gqeberha. Across their 25 Tests since the start of 2024, this was only the third occasion on which four Australian batters had passed 50 in an innings.
Renshaw said the focus had been on developing partnerships. Australia’s batting effort came after Mitchell Starc took six wickets, following Pat Cummins’ decision to send South Africa in.
