‘Can you believe it?’: ‘Monumental’ moment swings Test as decider heats up — LIVE
Nathan Lyon was left out of the second Test, replacing Scott Boland in Cape Town after the seamer secured a five-wicket haul at St George’s Park.
Nathan Lyon was left out of the second Test, replacing Scott Boland in Cape Town after the seamer secured a five-wicket haul at St George’s Park.
That selection decision looks to be an inspired one, if the end of day three is anything to go by, with Lyon claiming a crucial scalp with five minutes left of play. Live updates below!
Australia’s best-ever off-spinner bowled Temba Bavuma with an absolute peach of a delivery, beating the Proteas skipper’s inside edge after finding spin in the pace bowler’s foot holes.
Watch Australia’s Tour of South Africa Live & Exclusive on Fox Cricket, available on Kayo Sports | Don’t miss the Summer of the Century. Get 50% off Kayo Premium for 6 months. Min cost $23 for 1 month. New & returning customers only. Offer ends 31 Oct 2026. Sign up today.
“What a ball that is – that’s a beauty from Nathan Lyon. They know how big that wicket is for South Africa’s hopes. Massive,” Simon Katich said on SEN.
Meanwhile, Vernon Philander added: “Can you believe it? On the brink of the close of play. That is a monumental wicket for the Australians.”
And as play continues, spin is only going to be more and more important with Australia gunning to limit South Africa to a modest second innings total.
As it stands, the hosts hold a 40-run lead with six wickets in hand.
MATCH CENTRE: Live scores from the second Test
Follow all the action from day two of the deciding Test between Australia and South Africa below. Can’t see the blog? (Click here)
SMITH UPDATE: Scans reveal Smith’s neck injury... yet one explosive question in shock Test withdrawal remains
TEAMS
Australia: Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Josh Inglis, Alex Carey (wk), Cooper Connolly, Pat Cummins (c), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (c), Matthew Breetzke, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada.
