# Australia-South Africa Test cricket series

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20261028-australia-south-africa-test-cricket-series
> Updated: 2026-10-28T10:56:46.000Z. Sources: 27. Developments: 2.

The three-test series between Australia and South Africa is currently tied at 1-1. In the first Test at Kingsmead, Durban, Matt Renshaw scored a career-best 190 to help Australia reach a total of 390, leading the team to a 214-run victory. South Africa won the second match in Gqeberha by an innings and 31 runs.

In the deciding third Test at Newlands, Cape Town, Australia responded to South Africa’s first-innings total of 329 by reaching 429, securing a 100-run lead. Josh Inglis anchored the innings with a century (102), forming a 185-run partnership with Alex Carey (80). Earlier, Matt Renshaw (74) and Cameron Green (65) helped stabilize the middle order after Simon Harmer dismissed Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne.

In South Africa’s second innings, Australia’s bowling attack has kept the hosts under pressure. Mitchell Starc took two key wickets, including Aiden Markram and Marques Ackerman, while Nathan Lyon dismissed captain Temba Bavuma. At the close of play on the third day, South Africa reached 140-4, trailing by 40 runs. The winner of this final match will secure the number one position in the Test world rankings.

## Claims

- South Africa scored 329 runs in their first innings. (reported by 3 sources)
- The three-test series is tied at 1-1. (reported by 3 sources)
- Travis Head scored 41 runs. (reported by 3 sources)
- Nathan Lyon dismissed Temba Bavuma. (reported by 3 sources)
- Simon Harmer took two wickets in one over, dismissing Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne. (reported by 2 sources)
- Australia reached 191-4 at tea on the second day of the third Test. (reported by 1 source)
- Matt Renshaw scored 74 runs. (reported by 1 source)
- Cameron Green scored 65 runs. (reported by 1 source)
- The winner of the series will claim the number one position in the Test world rankings. (reported by 1 source)
- Australia scored 429 runs in their first innings. (reported by 1 source)
- South Africa reached 140/4 at the end of day three. (reported by 1 source)
- Josh Inglis scored a century. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-28: Australia gains control in series-deciding Test against South Africa

Australia has seized control of the deciding third Test against South Africa in Cape Town, building a 100-run lead following a century from Josh Inglis and strong bowling from Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon.

27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/australia-reaches-191-4-on-day-2-of-deciding-test-against-south-africa

### 2026-10-07: Matt Renshaw scores 190 to lead Australia's recovery in Durban Test

Matt Renshaw scored 190 to help Australia reach 390 in the first Test against South Africa, rescuing the team from 124-6. South Africa ended Day 2 at 27-1 after bad light ended play.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/matt-renshaw-embraces-flexible-role-at-number-five-in-durban-test

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Cite as: Australia-South Africa Test cricket series. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20261028-australia-south-africa-test-cricket-series