Former South Africa batter Herschelle Gibbs urged the Proteas to bowl well on batting-friendly conditions at Newlands as Australia begin their reply to South Africa's first-innings total of 329. The third and final Test between the two nations got underway in Cape Town on October 27, 2026, with the hosts' innings marked by a dramatic collapse triggered by Mitchell Starc's exceptional bowling performance on the opening day. South Africa had lost nine wickets for just 126 runs after their opening partnership yielded 158 runs without loss.

Australia captain Pat Cummins had elected to bowl first, and his decision appeared vindicated when Nathan Lyon claimed a crucial breakthrough in the 32nd over. Starc then dismantled the middle and lower order with a devastating spell, finishing with figures of 6 for 72 from 16.3 overs. The left-arm fast bowler claimed four wickets in six deliveries during his extraordinary burst, earning his 20th five-wicket haul in Test cricket and transforming what had seemed a difficult day for Australia into a position of considerable promise.

Gibbs, who has deep familiarity with Newlands having played domestic cricket in Cape Town and scored two Test centuries at the venue, highlighted the opportunity awaiting Australia's batters as they began their reply. Writing on Wednesday, October 28, Gibbs observed the conditions that would greet the visitors on day two of the match.

"Pretty sure it's cloudless skies at Newlands today and what a time to bat! Fill your boots," Gibbs wrote on X.

Gibbs highlights batting opportunity for Australia at Newlands

The former international acknowledged that while Australia's bowling attack posed a genuine threat, South Africa's batting line-up remained unsettled heading into the series decider. Gibbs pointed to the second and third days of the Test as the optimal window for batting at the venue, recognising both the challenge posed by Australia's pace attack and the uncertainty surrounding the hosts' batting composition.

"Day 2 and 3 at Newlands best time to bat. We gonna have to bowl well but they do have an unsettled batting lineup," Gibbs said.

Australia's opening pair and reinforced batting line-up

Australia's opening pair of Travis Head and Matt Renshaw took to the crease as the visitors began their innings. Renshaw had produced significant performances in the earlier Tests against South Africa, scoring 190 in the first Test first innings and 82 in the second innings. Head had contributed a second-innings century of 121 in the previous Test.

Cameron Green, Josh Inglis and Cooper Connolly were recalled to Australia's side for the series decider, providing the visitors with several options to strengthen their batting position.