Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc produced a frightening bouncer to dismiss Marques Ackerman during the third Test against South Africa at Newlands on Thursday, October 29. The delivery struck Ackerman's helmet before Cameron Green completed the catch at slip.

South Africa ended the third day's play at 140/4 in their second innings, taking a 40-run lead with six wickets remaining. Starc picked up two wickets for 29 runs in the second innings, while Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon bagged one wicket each. Ackerman scored 62 runs off 80 balls, including eight boundaries.

Mitchell Starc's Bouncer and DRS Controversy Spark Stump Mic Exchange

Marques Ackerman appeared unsure whether he had edged the delivery before it struck his helmet. The left-hander was hit on the helmet grille, and the ball ricocheted towards Green. The Australian fielder held on to the catch, as Mitchell Starc dismissed Ackerman for 62 runs.

The batter then walked towards captain Temba Bavuma to discuss a DRS review. However, Ackerman signalled for a review only after the 15-second countdown had expired.

The umpires ruled that he had missed the deadline, and television replays later confirmed that the ball had brushed his bat before hitting the helmet.

Travis Head approached Ackerman to check on his condition after the impact and signalled towards the boundary for medical assistance. Marnus Labuschagne, however, appeared less concerned, with the stump microphone picking up his comments.

"See you buddy. Heady, what are you doing mate? He’s off," Labuschagne said.

That helmet hit was BRUTAL 💀 #SAvAUS #SouthAfrica #TestCricket #MitchellStarc https://t.co/Esqf48Om7D

— FanCode (@FanCode) October 29, 2026

Josh Inglis Scores Second Test Century as Australia Post 429

Josh Inglis converted his overnight start into his second Test century as Australia moved from 330/4 to 429 in their first innings. The wicketkeeper-batter reached the milestone off 132 balls by reverse-sweeping Harmer for a boundary.

Inglis and Alex Carey added 185 runs for the fifth wicket, putting Australia in a strong position to extend their lead. Carey contributed 80 before Harmer dismissed him at slip, four overs after removing Inglis, who was caught behind.

South Africa then made progress through the Australian lower order. Harmer finished with four wickets for 104 runs, while Marco Jansen claimed three for 60. Kagiso Rabada also trapped Pat Cummins lbw for a duck as Australia lost their final six wickets for 99 runs.

Australia eventually finished with 429, securing a 100-run first-innings lead. The total gave their bowlers a useful cushion on a surface that was starting to offer more assistance to spin.

Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon Leave South Africa Four Down

South Africa made a poor start to their second innings after falling 100 runs behind. Mitchell Starc dismissed Markram for one when the opener drove a delivery towards Head at mid-off. Josh Hazlewood then removed David Bedingham for 11, with the batter caught after attempting another hook shot.

Marques Ackerman and Bavuma briefly steadied the innings with a 64-run partnership for the third wicket. Ackerman continued his attacking approach after scoring 95 in the first innings, but Mitchell Starc ended his resistance with the helmet-striking bouncer.

Bavuma tried to hold the innings together after Ackerman's departure. The South African captain scored 35 from 115 deliveries and looked to guide his team through to stumps. However, Nathan Lyon struck in the penultimate over, bowling Bavuma with a delivery that turned sharply off the surface.

Breetzke remained unbeaten on 19, while Ryan Rickelton was not out on eight. The pair will resume on the fourth morning with the hosts needing a substantial partnership to build a challenging target for Australia.