The Test series between Australia and South Africa will be decided at Newlands. The third Test starts on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, in Cape Town, with the series level 1-1 after big wins for both sides in Durban and Gqeberha.
Australia return to the ground of the 2018 Sandpapergate ball-tampering scandal. Former captain Steve Smith was at the centre of that episode and is averaging a little over 20 with the bat on this tour. Current skipper Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon were also in that 2018 side but say they had no knowledge of the sandpaper attempt.
Ticket sales for the first three days have been strong after sparse crowds at the first two Tests. Travis Head said of Smith: “He’ll be fine… Sometimes it brings the best out of him.” Wicketkeeper Alex Carey said on October 25: “We are still a couple of days out but it looks another great surface.”
No Test has ever been played at Newlands in October, and only three in November, all against Australia. Selection speculation around Marnus Labuschagne, who missed much of the main nets session on Sunday, remains unconfirmed, with no public disclosure of a selection change.
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Bhudev Bhagaliya is an experienced and senior journalist who has carved a distinct niche for himself in the world of Hindi journalism through his profound understanding and precise writing style. With over two decades of experience in the field of journalism, he has held key responsibilities at Dainik Hindustan for 12 years and at Amar Ujala for one year. Currently, he serves as the Content Editor for the Jagrook Youth News newspaper and portal, where he plays a crucial role in ensuring the quality and credibility of the news content. Bhudev Bhagaliya consistently writes about issues that help raise awareness within society and among the younger generation.