Proteas coach Shukri Conrad faced disappointment after an exciting first day of the Third Test between Australia and South Africa, played in Newlands. His team allowed itself to lose its dominant position, being dismissed for 329 runs by the end of play.
Marcus Ackermann and Aiden Markram provided an early tempo with quick half-centuries, but Mitchell Starc's late surge allowed Australia to finish the first day of the crucial series match with increased confidence.
On a beautiful day in Cape Town, the Proteas looked ready to post a substantial total after an explosive partnership between Ackermann and Markram. Nevertheless, Australia managed to fight back in the afternoon, and Starc delivered the decisive blow late, preventing the hosts from fully capitalizing on their brilliant start.
Australian captain Pat Cummins won the toss and chose to bat, which initially seemed catastrophic as South Africa reached 140 runs without loss by lunchtime. Ackermann and Markram capitalized on the good pitch cover, putting pressure on the Australian attack with their impressive style of play.
Ackermann showed particular aggression, reaching 95 runs, but was removed from his crease by Nathan Lyon, allowing wicketkeeper Alex Carey to complete the stumping and conclude a magnificent opening stand worth 158 runs.
Markram continued to be a pillar of the team, scoring a confident 78 runs before Josh Hazlewood broke through, and Starc took a fine catch in the deep. Australia finally started to gain momentum, and the course of the match began to change.
Markram's dismissal was followed by a difficult period for the hosts. Temba Bavuma was bowled by Lyon for zero, and Matthew Britzker fell into Cooper Connolly's trap, scoring two runs, putting South Africa under pressure after a dominant morning.
From a position of 203/1, the Proteas sharply dropped to 232/5 during a tense midday session. David Bellingham stabilized the game, scoring a composed 50 runs, but Starc returned to inflict further damage, dismissing Bellingham and Vian Mulder consecutively. Then the Australian left-hander continued his late onslaught while Proteas lost its remaining batsmen, with valuable 52 runs from Jansen making a significant contribution from the lower order.
Starc finished the day as the main destroyer in Australia's recovery, leading to South Africa being dismissed for 329 runs, despite appearing capable of posting a much larger total.