![Australia lost the second Test match vs South Africa [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1792914531070_AustralialostthesecondTestmatchvsSouthAfrica.jpg?type=hq)
Australia lost the second Test match vs South Africa [Source: AFP]
The South Africa vs Australia series is evenly poised as both teams have won a Test match each. The Proteas bounced back in style in the second Test to thrash the visitors in a one-sided contest.
The caravan now shifts towards the series decider in Cape Town as the two teams will aim for a win to strengthen their position in the WTC points tally. Ahead of the 3rd Test, here is Australia’s predicted playing XI, with plenty of changes expected.
Openers and top order: Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne
Travis Head scored a scintillating century in the last Test, but that wasn’t enough to prevent South Africa from winning. However, he’ll carry that same confidence into the Cape Town Test match.
On the other hand, recent reports from Australian media added that several changes are expected in the lineup, with one of them being pushing Matt Renshaw to open the innings alongside Head. Renshaw is naturally an opener, and the top order suits his style of play.
The 3rd Test could be a do-or-die game for the struggling Marnus Labuschagne. He has failed on the tour, and Pat Cummins has admitted that the number 3 batter has to score big in the upcoming match to keep his place safe.
Middle order and all rounder: Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Alex Carey
Just like every other Aussie batter, Steve Smith, too, has struggled on the ongoing tour. However, Smith will hope to end the tour on a high, and the Cape Town Test holds utmost importance for the star Australian batter.
The recent reports have added that Nic Maddinson, who has struggled for runs in the last two Tests, will be dropped from the team, and Cameron Green is expected to get a place in the playing XI, as the all-rounder will bat at number 5.
Beau Webster will get one more chance to shine, and the Australian batter would hope that he can deliver the goods as Australia needs their middle order to deliver.
Keeper Alex Carey will bat at number 7, and the left-handed batter will provide solidity at that position in the third Test against South Africa.
Bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
The Cape Town wicket is expected to help the pacers, and Mitchell Starc will hope to exploit the conditions as Australia will need early wickets from him to rock the South African batting.
Nathan Lyon was dropped for the second Test match, but the spinner is expected to be back as reports stated that he will replace Scott Boland in the playing XI.
Pat Cummins failed to take a single wicket in the second Test, and the Australian skipper will hope to turn things around as he aims to secure a series win for his team.
Just like Cummins, Hazlewood failed to pick a single wicket in the second Test. He looked like a pale shadow of his best version, and the tall pacer would hope he could exploit the bouncy conditions in Cape Town.
Australia Predicted Playing XI vs South Africa- 3rd Test, AUS tour of SA 2026
Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins(c), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
