Australia faces a challenging target of 288 runs against South Africa on a deteriorating Newlands wicket, with the home side's pace attack and spinner Simon Harmer expected to exploit the conditions to clinch the three-match Test series.
Australia return to Newlands for the series-deciding Test against South Africa, confronting Sandpapergate memories from 2018, as Steve Smith seeks redemption and Nortje's injury reshapes hosts' bowling options.
Rickelton and Mulder struck centuries to set Australia a challenging 288-run target at Newlands, with the series decider also offering the winner the No. 1 spot in Test rankings.
South Africa have recalled Gerald Coetzee for injured Anrich Nortje in the series-deciding Newlands Test, targeting a series victory, the world's top ranking and stronger World Test Championship prospects.
Usman Khawaja's autobiography has reignited the controversy over Australia's 2018 ball-tampering scandal. From the original investigation to David Warner's backing and Cricket Australia's refusal to reopen the case, here are the key statements from those involved.
Marques Ackerman's career-best 95 lifted South Africa to 329, but Mitchell Starc's 6-72 triggered a collapse, leaving Australia well placed in the decisive Newlands Test.
Australia captain Pat Cummins will give Steve Smith every chance to recover from a neck injury before the decisive third Test against South Africa at Newlands, with team selection pending.
'There is no fight whatsoever. It is disgraceful.'
Pat Cummins admitted Australia must answer tough questions and consider changes after consecutive heavy defeats against South Africa cost them the series and their No. 1 Test ranking.
Josh Inglis' unbeaten 85 and Alex Carey's 51 not out powered Australia to 330/4, securing a first-innings lead over South Africa and strengthening their grip on the decisive Test.
Australian coach Andrew McDonald has defended his team against a 'flood of criticism' following their 2-1 Test series loss to South Africa, acknowledging underachievement but backing the squad's core players. He addressed concerns about player performance and the team's future, particularly regarding Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith.
South African fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the decisive third Test against Australia due to a groin injury sustained during the second Test victory.
South Africa face an uphill task after slipping to 140 for four in their second innings, holding a slender 40-run lead over Australia at stumps on Day 3 of the decisive third Test at Newlands on Thursday.
South Africa spinner Simon Harmer took a career-best 6-16 and Kagiso Rabada became the fastest by balls bowled to reach 350 test wickets as the hosts thumped Australia by 176 runs to clinch their three-test series 2-1 at Newlands on Saturday.
Australian veteran batter Steve Smith has been cleared of serious neck damage following scans and is expected to be fit for the upcoming home Test series against New Zealand in December.
David Warner has backed Usman Khawaja's claim that Australia's entire team knew about the 2018 ball-tampering plan, calling his comments '100 percent accurate' and questioning Cricket Australia's investigation.
Kagiso Rabada and Steve Smith's intense rivalry has reignited as South Africa and Australia head into a decisive third Test in Cape Town. Rabada's recent dismissal of Smith in the second Test, coupled with their history from the 2018 series marked by controversy, sets the stage for a thrilling encounter. Both players acknowledge the competitive spirit, with Smith reflecting on his past ban.
South Africa crushed Australia by an innings and 31 runs in Gqeberha to level the series 1-1, with Bavuma's 179 and Rabada's four wickets proving decisive.
Naomi Osaka admits she has contemplated retirement as motherhood shapes her priorities, but the four-time Grand Slam champion believes she is close to rediscovering her title-winning form.
Mitchell Starc has returned to the top of the ICC Test bowling rankings after his stellar performance against South Africa. India's Shreyas Iyer also made significant gains, moving to seventh among T20I batters following India's series win over New Zealand. The latest ICC rankings update reflects shifts across Test, ODI, and T20I formats, with several players making notable progress.
Disappointed James Anderson says his Lancashire exit after 25 years was not how he wanted it to end, as the county prioritises rebuilding and a promotion push.
Lancashire will part ways with Sir James Anderson after 25 years, declining to renew his contract for 2027 as the county launches a long-term rebuilding drive.
Alex Carey says Australia must focus on preparation ahead of the South Africa Test, with their No. 1 ranking and World Test Championship hopes at stake.
Pat Cummins has played down concerns Usman Khawaja's autobiography could reopen Sandpapergate, saying the 2018 scandal was dealt with.
The numbers don't settle it. Bumrah has the lower average and is harder to score off. Rabada has the bigger pile, the ten-wicket matches, and a winning team behind him.
Former Australia captain Steve Smith has revealed he felt 'thrown to the wolves' following the 2018 ball-tampering scandal, admitting he still experiences flashbacks to the media frenzy upon his return home.
The ICC has announced the schedule for the men's World Cup, detailing India's opening match against Australia, a crucial clash with Pakistan, and other group stage fixtures, along with the dates and venues for the semi-finals and final.
Australia has announced its 16-member squad for the upcoming three-Test tour of South Africa, with top-order batsman Marnus Labuschagne retaining his place despite recent poor form.
The International Cricket Council (ICC) has announced 12 venues across South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia for the 2027 ODI World Cup, marking the tournament's return to Africa after 24 years, with a new 57-match, three-stage format designed to enhance competitiveness and fan experience.
Sri Lankan spinners Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis have established the Galle International Cricket Stadium as their formidable stronghold, collectively taking 145 wickets, posing a significant challenge for visiting teams, especially India.
Cricket South Africa CEO Pholetsi Moseki expressed excitement as the brand identity and 12 host venues for the 2027 ODI Cricket World Cup were unveiled, marking the tournament's return to Africa after 24 years with a new three-stage format.
Sunrisers Eastern Cape completed a six-wicket win over the Pretoria Capitals to lift the SA20 trophy for the third time in four years at Newlands on Sunday.
Pretoria Capitals skipper Keshav Maharaj credits head coach Sourav Ganguly for bringing belief, calm and a positive culture ahead of the SA20 final.
The Newlands contest lasted 642 balls with India registering a series-levelling victory in the shortest ever Test
SA20 turns 4: Social healer, job creator and a new lucrative option for players around globe
The left-handed batter acknowledged that pressure of international cricket is way more intense than a league.
There will be plenty of scrutiny of the Newlands pitch with the match completed in 642 balls, the shortest ever test in which there has been a winner, beating Australia's 656-ball victory over South Africa in 1932.
Eight of South Africa's top cricket stadiums, including Wanderers in Johannesburg, Durban's Kingsmead and Newlands in Cape Town, have been confirmed as venues for the 2027 ICC ODI World Cup, a News24 report said on Wednesday.
23 wickets and several records fell on the opening day of the second and final Test in Cape Town on Wednesday.
