SA vs AUS 3rd Test: Australia opt to bowl, Steve Smith ruled out

South Africa vs Australia 3rd Test Live Score: South Africa and Australia face off in the decisive third Test at Newlands in Cape Town, with the series tied 1-1 and the world No. 1 ranking at stake. After Australia won the opening Test in Durban, South Africa responded emphatically in Gqeberha, where Temba Bavuma’s magnificent 179 and Marco Jansen’s all-round performance helped the hosts level the series.

Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to field, citing moisture in the pitch. South Africa captain Bavuma said he was comfortable batting first, believing the surface offered scoring opportunities once the team negotiated the challenge posed by the new ball.

The Newlands pitch has a covering of grass but is expected to provide good carry on a hard surface. Experts also anticipate that spin could become a factor as the match progresses, making patience early in the innings and a more positive approach later potentially important.

Australia have made four changes, bringing in Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Nathan Lyon and Josh Inglis. Matt Renshaw is set to open alongside Travis Head, while Steve Smith's fitness remains a concern. South Africa have included Gerald Coetzee in place of the injured Anrich Nortje.

With both teams chasing a series victory and the top spot in Test cricket, the Cape Town decider promises a compelling contest between two formidable sides.

• Commentary
• Scorecard

14:02 (IST) Oct 27

South Africa vs Australia Live Score : 0/0 (0.3 overs)

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Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, No run, that is left alone for the keeper to collect.

14:01 (IST) Oct 27

South Africa vs Australia Live Score : 0/0 (0.2 overs)

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Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Starc brings it closer to the off stump, keeping the length on the shorter side with a hint of inward movement. Markram remains deep in his crease and opts for another leave.

14:00 (IST) Oct 27

South Africa vs Australia Live Score : 0/0 (0.1 overs)

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Mitchell Starc to Aiden Markram, Mitchell Starc starts with a good-length delivery, slightly short and outside off, shaping away from the batter. Aiden Markram stays rooted in his crease and lets it pass through to the keeper.

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13:57 (IST) Oct 27

All in readiness now! It is good to see the crowd coming in numbers for the start of this all-important third and final Test in the series in Cape Town. We can see the Australian players in a huddle, where Pat Cummins is giving a last-minute pep talk before they take the field. Aiden Markram and Marques Ackerman are the two openers for South Africa. Mitchell Starc has the new red cherry in his hand and is raring to go. Let's play...

13:55 (IST) Oct 27

We are moments away from the start of the final Test, but before that, players from both sides make their way out to the middle and line up for their respective national anthems. It will be Australia's first, followed by that of the home nation, South Africa.

13:55 (IST) Oct 27

Time to hear from the other camp - Travis Head says playing at Newlands is right up there among his favourite Test venues, placing it just behind Adelaide. He enjoys the setting and feels there are few better places to play a Test match. Reflecting on his knock in the previous Test, Head says he is more focused on his process than individual performances. After the first Test, he worked on a few things and tried to calm himself down, having been eager to make an impact. He was pleased with the way he approached the innings and says the result mattered more to him than his own performance. Ahead of this Test, Head stresses the responsibility each player has to value their wicket and contribute consistently to winning matches. He admits he has sometimes been too eager, but says the key is to play what is in front of him and enjoy the game. He felt he found that balance in the previous Test and wants to carry the same approach into this one.

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13:53 (IST) Oct 27

Pre-match thoughts - South Africa's Kagiso Rabada says the short turnaround between the last Test and this one has been manageable, with the adrenaline helping the players recover quickly. He adds that the squad has pulled up well ahead of the Test. Reflecting on South Africa dismissing Australia for 99, Rabada says they focused on doing the basics well and finding a way to get the desired result. While they can plan for different scenarios, he says the team adapted well when circumstances forced them to change their approach. On his performances against Australia, Rabada says he gives his best against every opposition and has great respect for them. He enjoys facing teams that challenge them, adding that Australia play in a similar way to South Africa and are not afraid to take the game to their opponents. Looking ahead, Rabada expects another competitive Test after the first two matches went into the fifth day. He feels the Cape Town surface looks a little dry and could offer opportunities for the players to cash in, but says he is focused on taking the game session by session rather than looking too far ahead.

13:50 (IST) Oct 27

PITCH REPORT - Khaya Zondo feels the surface could offer something for the spinners as the game progresses, saying she would pick a spinner having played at the venue a month ago. She notes that the pitch initially had around six millimetres of grass, which could have allowed the ball to grip and move, but after further cutting and rolling, it now looks much barer. Graeme Smith highlights the groundsman's extensive work on the surface over the past month, with Cape Town's unusually dry winter providing plenty of sunshine to help harden the pitch. He expects the surface to offer good carry early on. Mark Nicholas feels batters will need to be patient against the new ball, particularly given South Africa's traditionally challenging conditions up front. However, he expects the middle order to be able to put bat to ball more freely as the surface dries, with scoring likely to become easier as the game progresses. All three are positive about the surface overall, with Smith describing it as terrific and expecting it to hold together well, while agreeing with Zondo that spin could come into play.

13:43 (IST) Oct 27

South Africa vs Australia 3rd Test Live: Newlands pitch promises good carry, spin could come into play later

The Newlands surface is expected to offer an intriguing challenge for both batting line-ups in the series decider between South Africa and Australia. The pitch initially had a noticeable covering of grass, but repeated rolling has left it looking considerably barer.

Experts expect the hard surface to provide good carry, although spin could become a factor as the match progresses. Batters may need to show patience against the new ball before looking to score more freely once settled. Australia captain Pat Cummins cited moisture as a reason for bowling first, while Temba Bavuma believes South Africa can post a strong total if they negotiate the early challenge.

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13:43 (IST) Oct 27

South Africa vs Australia 3rd Test Live: Gerald Coetzee replaces injured Anrich Nortje in South Africa XI

South Africa have named Gerald Coetzee in their playing XI for the third Test against Australia, replacing the injured Anrich Nortje. The hosts have otherwise retained the side that levelled the series in Gqeberha. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen will be central to South Africa's plans with the new ball as they look to exploit any movement available on the Newlands surface.

The pitch has some grass but has been rolled hard, with good carry expected early in the match. South Africa will hope Coetzee can make an impact as they seek a series victory against Australia on home soil.

13:43 (IST) Oct 27

The captain of South Africa - Temba Bavuma says they are comfortable batting first, with the wicket looking good despite the challenge expected from the new ball. He feels it should become good for batting once they get through that initial period. On Gerald Coetzee returning to the side in place of Anrich Nortje, Bavuma says the pacer brings extra pace and maintains that dimension in their bowling attack. While Coetzee has not played much red-ball cricket recently, Bavuma says he is looking forward to making an impact. With South Africa looking to win the series, Bavuma says the team has tried its best despite the pre-series talk around two of the best sides facing each other. He stresses the importance of maintaining their internal focus and doing their best. Bavuma also welcomes the strong crowd, saying it is enjoyable to see the first couple of days sold out. He hopes they can put on a good display of cricket for the spectators.

13:43 (IST) Oct 27

South Africa vs Australia 3rd Test Live: Four changes for Australia

Australia have made four changes to their playing XI for the decisive third Test against South Africa at Newlands. Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Nathan Lyon and Josh Inglis have come into the side as Pat Cummins opted to bowl first.

Matt Renshaw is set to open alongside Travis Head, while Steve Smith's fitness was a major talking point ahead of the match. Cummins confirmed that Smith had attempted to test himself again in the morning but was not happy with how he felt. Australia will hope the changes help them recover from their batting collapse in the second Test and regain the lead in the series.

13:42 (IST) Oct 27

South Africa vs Australia 3rd Test Live: Temba Bavuma backs South Africa batters to make most of Newlands pitch

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said he was happy to bat first after Australia won the toss and elected to field in Cape Town. Bavuma acknowledged that the new ball would present a challenge but believes there are runs to be scored if his team can get through the early phase.

The hosts will look to build on their emphatic response in the second Test at Gqeberha, where Bavuma scored a magnificent 179 to help level the series. With the series and the world No. 1 ranking at stake, South Africa will need their top order to provide a solid foundation against Australia's experienced pace attack.

13:41 (IST) Oct 27

South Africa vs Australia 3rd Test Live: Australia win toss, opt to bowl against South Africa in series decider

Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and elected to bowl first against South Africa in the third Test at Newlands in Cape Town. With the series tied at 1-1, both teams have everything to play for, including the chance to claim the series and the world No. 1 ranking.

Cummins said he felt there was moisture in the pitch, prompting Australia to put the hosts in to bat. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma was comfortable with the decision, backing his batters to negotiate the new ball and make the most of the scoring opportunities on offer. Australia have made four changes for the decider.

13:41 (IST) Oct 27

The skipper of Australia - Pat Cummins says there is a little moisture on the surface and confirms four changes, with Cooper Connolly, Cameron Green, Nathan Lyon and Josh Inglis returning to the side. Beau Webster, Nic Maddinson, Scott Boland and Steve Smith make way. On Smith, Cummins says the batter underwent another test in the morning but was not happy with the result, forcing them to look elsewhere. He adds that the incoming players have been preparing well over the past week and are eager to get going. Cummins admits dropping Boland was a difficult decision, comparing it to the call to leave out Lyon last week, but says it is a good selection headache to have. Looking ahead, he feels they have a clearer understanding of the opposition late in the series, with match-ups likely to play an important role. He says they do not need to make any major changes to their approach, with the focus instead on getting the small moments right. With plenty of Test experience throughout the squad, Cummins believes those finer details could make the difference.

13:37 (IST) Oct 27

South Africa (Playing XI) - Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (C), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton (WK), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Gerald Coetzee (In place of Anrich Nortje), Kagiso Rabada.

13:37 (IST) Oct 27

Australia (Playing XI) - Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green (In place of Beau Webster), Josh Inglis (In place of Steve Smith), Alex Carey (WK), Cooper Connolly (In place of Nic Maddinson), Pat Cummins (C), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon (In place of Scott Boland), Josh Hazlewood.

13:33 (IST) Oct 27

TOSS - It's time for the final coin-flip in the series. Both captains are out in the middle. The coin lands in favour of Pat Cummins. Australia have elected to BOWL first.

South Africa vs Australia 3rd Test Live Score: South Africa and Australia renew their rivalry in a high-stakes third Test at Newlands in Cape Town, with the series finely poised at 1-1 and the world No. 1 ranking on the line. Both sides have registered emphatic victories in the opening two matches, setting up a compelling decider between two of the strongest teams in Test cricket.

Australia drew first blood in Durban before South Africa bounced back in Gqeberha. Temba Bavuma led the response with a superb 179, while Marco Jansen delivered an influential all-round performance to help the hosts level the series. South Africa will now look to carry that momentum into the final Test.

Australia captain Pat Cummins won the toss and opted to bowl, pointing to moisture in the surface. Bavuma, however, was content to bat first, backing his team to negotiate the new ball and capitalise on the scoring opportunities available.

The Newlands pitch features some grass but has been rolled into a hard surface, with good carry expected. Conditions could become more favourable for batting as the match progresses, while spin may also come into play later in the Test.

Australia have made four changes, with Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly and Josh Inglis among the players brought into the XI. Steve Smith's fitness was a concern before the toss, while South Africa have included Gerald Coetzee after Anrich Nortje's injury.

With the series title and the top ranking at stake, both teams know the importance of delivering across five days. The contest in Cape Town will determine which side finishes the series on top.