The third and final Test between South Africa and Australia is underway at Newlands in Cape Town, with the visitors taking control on the opening day. South Africa were bowled out for 329 in their first innings, thanks to an impressive six-wicket haul from Mitchell Starc. Nathan Lyon also made an important contribution, dismissing two Proteas batters, including captain Temba Bavuma.

Lyon opened Australia’s wicket account in the second session by removing Marques Ackerman before sending Bavuma back to the pavilion for a three-ball duck. However, the Australian players faced a hostile reception from the home crowd during the opening day’s play.

In a video circulating widely on social media, a South African supporter was seen offering sandpaper to Lyon, referencing one of the most controversial episodes in Australian cricket history.

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The incident brought back memories of the infamous 2018 Cape Town Test, when Australian players were caught using sandpaper to tamper with the ball. The ball-tampering scandal resulted in Cricket Australia handing 12-month bans to Steve Smith and David Warner, while Cameron Bancroft received a nine-month suspension from international cricket.

South African crowd offering sandpaper to Nathan Lyon 😭 https://t.co/zvnRHJ480W

— Pushkar (@Musafirr_hu_yar) October 28, 2026

Despite being Australia’s second-highest wicket-taker in Test cricket, Lyon was left out of the playing XI for the second Test at Gqeberha. Scott Boland replaced him and delivered an impressive performance, claiming six wickets in South Africa’s first innings of the rain-affected match at St George’s Park.

However, Australia opted to bring Lyon back for the series decider at Newlands, leaving Boland out of the side.

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The visitors also made further changes to their playing XI for the crucial encounter. Steve Smith, Nic Maddinson and Beau Webster were omitted, making way for Cameron Green, Josh Inglis and Cooper Connolly.

Green’s return provides Australia with an additional all-round option in the middle order. The batting all-rounder had missed the first two Tests because of an injury and is set to occupy the No. 4 position in Cape Town. Meanwhile, Inglis has been selected as a specialist batter, while Connolly also gets an opportunity to contribute as Australia look to secure the series decider against South Africa.