South Africa makes strong start against Australia on day one of final Test

South Africa reached 53 without loss after fourteen overs on day one of the third men's cricket Test against Australia at Newlands, with openers Markram and Ackerman at the crease. Markram moved to 31 and Ackerman to 21 as South Africa capitalized on a pitch well-suited for batting. Australian captain Pat Cummins chose to bowl first after winning the toss, a decision that drew immediate pressure as Markram dispatched a short ball from Cummins for four and later hit him for six over midwicket. Australia made four changes for this match, marking the first time the team has made four or more changes during an away series without disciplinary intervention since the 1994-95 tour of Pakistan. Nathan Lyon was brought into the attack by the eleventh over as Australia searched for breakthroughs, while Mitchell Starc bowled a fast delivery clocked at 149 kph that struck Markram on the wrist guard.

Context

Test cricket matches span five days, and winning the toss to bowl first on a good batting pitch places immense pressure on the bowling attack when early wickets fail to fall. Australia's unusual number of team changes reflects a rare shake-up in their playing eleven for this final series match.