The hosts won the second Test by an innings and 31 runs at St George’s Park on Thursday, putting Australia’s batting and team selection under scrutiny ahead of the series finale at Newlands, Cape Town, starting on Tuesday, 27 October.
Captain Pat Cummins acknowledged that selectors face difficult decisions, with Cameron Green and Josh Inglis potentially available for the decider.
“It’s always that delicate balance,” Cummins said when asked about the possibility of changes.
“Do you feel like someone’s just about to turn the corner and they’re going to be away? Or does it now feel like the right time for change?”
Labuschagne under pressure as Australia assess batting options
Marnus Labuschagne is among the players whose place could come under consideration after another series without a substantial score.
The right-handed batter has struggled to convert promising starts into big innings. Cummins acknowledged that reaching the thirties was a positive sign but stressed that Australia needed greater contributions from their top order.
“He’s got to find a way to turn those into bigger scores. Thirties aren’t going to win you too many matches,” the captain said.
Nic Maddinson is also under pressure after recording scores of 0, 48, 0 and 8 across the first two Tests.
Matt Renshaw is among the options who could return to the top of the order, while Green’s possible comeback would provide Australia with additional batting depth. Inglis and Cooper Connolly are also potential selection options.
Green has been recovering from an abdominal strain, while Inglis is expected to be available for selection. Australia will assess their fitness before confirming the team.
Nathan Lyon’s possible return creates bowling dilemma
Australia must also decide whether to recall veteran off-spinner Nathan Lyon, who missed the second Test in favour of Scott Boland.
Boland strengthened his case for retention with an impressive performance in Gqeberha, taking five wickets and showing considerable resilience with the bat during Australia’s second innings.
However, Newlands’ conditions could influence whether Australia opt for an additional specialist spinner or retain their pace-heavy attack.
If Lyon returns, the selectors may have to leave out one of Boland, Mitchell Starc or Josh Hazlewood. The final decision will depend on the pitch and how the bowlers recover ahead of the match.
South Africa seize momentum ahead of Cape Town
Australia entered the second Test with a 1–0 series lead after winning the opening match in Durban by 214 runs.
They appeared well placed to maintain that advantage when South Africa lost six wickets for 110 in their first innings. However, captain Temba Bavuma led a remarkable recovery with 179, supported by Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer, as South Africa reached 425 for nine.
Jansen then took five wickets for 33 runs as Australia collapsed to 99 in their first innings.
Although Travis Head scored a century in Australia’s second innings, South Africa completed the victory by an innings and 31 runs.
The result leaves both teams needing a win in Cape Town to claim the series, with Australia under pressure to respond after their batting collapse.
Third Test details
• Fixture: South Africa vs Australia, third Test
• Date: 27–31 October 2026
• Venue: Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town
• Series score: 1–1
• Competition: ICC World Test Championship
Australia’s final XI is expected to be shaped by the fitness of Green and Inglis, the form of the struggling batters and the balance of the bowling attack. The selectors must decide whether to back the existing group or make changes in a must-win match.