Aus v SA cricket: why it’s trending now

Published 30 October 2026 at 5:15 am · 10 sources · 10000+ searches today

Australia moved ahead in the deciding third Test against South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town, after day three on Thursday, 29 October 2026. That is why “aus v sa cricket” is trending in Australia: Josh Inglis’ century, Mitchell Starc’s wickets and Nathan Lyon’s late breakthrough have kept the Test finely balanced. As of 30 October 2026, South Africa are 140/4 in their second innings, with a lead of just 40 runs and six wickets in hand.

Key facts

29 Oct 2026: Australia moved ahead after day three in Cape Town
South Africa were 140/4, leading by only 40 runs
Australia were bowled out for 429 after South Africa made 329
Josh Inglis scored 132 balls for his second Test century
Nathan Lyon dismissed Temba Bavuma for 35 with five minutes left

What happened in Cape Town

Australia’s batting reply reached 429 after South Africa’s first innings of 329, turning the match into a close finish in the series-deciding third Test at Newlands. On day three, Josh Inglis completed his second Test century from 132 balls, and Alex Carey added 80 before Australia lost six wickets for 59 runs.

South Africa then closed day three on 140/4 in their second innings. That left them with an overall lead of only 40 runs, but still six wickets in hand as the Test headed into the final days.

Why this match is getting attention

The search interest is being driven by the way the match has swung. Mitchell Starc struck important second-innings blows, including the wicket of Marques Ackerman for 62, while Aiden Markram made 1 and David Bedingham 11.

Nathan Lyon added a late wicket by dismissing South African captain Temba Bavuma for 35 from 115 balls with five minutes remaining. That late breakthrough significantly strengthened Australia’s position and gave the match a dramatic finish on day three.

The numbers behind the contest

Australia’s first innings total of 429 came after they replied to South Africa’s 329, so the sides have been separated by very small margins across the match. South Africa’s second-innings 140/4 means they hold only a 40-run lead as of 30 October 2026.

Starc also set up Australia’s position on day one, when he took six wickets as South Africa were dismissed for 329 after having been in a strong position. Inglis’ century has also drawn notice because he was reported as the first Australian to score multiple international centuries in all three formats.

What to watch next

As of 30 October 2026, the key question is whether Australia can bowl South Africa out before the target gets away from them. With six wickets still standing and a narrow lead, the third Test remains in the balance.

If Australia complete the comeback, they will take the series-deciding Test and the series. If South Africa can build the lead further, they still have a chance to force Australia to bat under pressure again.

Frequently asked

Why is aus v sa cricket trending in Australia today?

It is trending because Australia moved ahead in the deciding third Test at Newlands after day three, with South Africa only 40 runs ahead and six wickets left. Inglis’ century, Starc’s wickets and Lyon’s late dismissal all added to the interest.

What is the score in Australia vs South Africa right now?

As of 30 October 2026, South Africa are 140/4 in their second innings and lead by 40 runs. Australia made 429 in reply to South Africa’s 329.

Who scored the runs for Australia in the third Test?

Josh Inglis scored a century from 132 balls for his second Test hundred, and Alex Carey made 80. Australia later lost six wickets for 59 runs.

Who took the key wickets for Australia?

Mitchell Starc took important second-innings wickets, including Marques Ackerman for 62. Nathan Lyon also dismissed Temba Bavuma for 35 late on day three.

Sources

Researched automatically from live news and written by Simpledot's AI; facts are limited to what the sources above report as of the published time. Spot an error? Tell us.