Simon Harmer removed two Australian batters in his first over on day two at Newlands, leaving the tourists on 90 for two at lunch in reply to South Africa's 329. Matt Renshaw (27 not out) and Cameron Green (17 not out) were left to rebuild. Renshaw and Travis Head had put on 58 before Harmer dismissed Head with his first ball, the batter chopping onto his stumps. Marnus Labuschagne then fell for a duck, caught by Aiden Markram at slip, and a modest-looking total suddenly looked competitive.

A series and a ranking on the line

The series is level at 1-1 after Australia won the first Test by 214 runs in Durban and South Africa won the second by an innings and 31 runs in Gqeberha. The winners will also claim the Test world number one ranking, currently held by Australia. South Africa's openers had put on 158 before the last nine wickets fell for 171, leaving 329 rather than the far larger total once possible. Australia are without Steve Smith, who missed the decider after failing a late neck fitness test, leaving a gap in the middle order.

What the afternoon session will decide

Australia still trail by 239 with eight wickets in hand, but the pressure has shifted. A long Renshaw-Green partnership would erase the deficit; another quick cluster would expose a middle order already missing Smith. Harmer's strikes showed the pitch offers spin encouragement even on day two. With most of the match left, the team winning the next session may well win the series and the top ranking. The decider will reward whichever side holds its nerve over the remaining days.

Sources: Reuters and Scoreline.