Proteas and Australia meet in Newlands Test series decider

The Proteas and Australia start the third and final Test of their series at Newlands in Cape Town today, with everything still to play for. The two sides are level at 1-1, so the winner of this match takes the series, according to IOL.

Conditions and match timings

IOL reported that Cape Town greeted the teams with a sunny morning, after a bit of a chill in the air on Monday. There was a green tinge on the surface yesterday, but the word at the ground is that the covers will come off this morning.

The toss is scheduled for 10am, and play is set to get underway at 10:30am. A full house is expected on the first day. IOL’s Zaahier Adams, reporting from the venue, described Table Mountain providing a breathtaking backdrop for the occasion.

A return to a ground with history

The Test carries extra meaning for the visitors. IOL noted that this is the first time the Australian red-ball side has played at Newlands since the Sandpapergate scandal of 2018, which shook the sporting world. For Australia, the match is a chance to put that episode behind them at the very ground where it happened.

For the Proteas, the match is an opportunity to defend what IOL called their fortress and to secure a series victory. With the contest so finely balanced, the toss may also matter. The IOL report suggested that winning it and batting first could set up an exciting few days.

What it means for fans

For South Africans planning to follow the Test, the key times for today are:

• 10am: the toss
• 10:30am: start of play on Day 1

With a full house expected, supporters heading to Newlands may want to plan their arrival and travel with the large crowd in mind. Those following from home or work can expect a series decider with a lot at stake for both teams.

The IOL source gave no team news or squad details at the time of writing, so the line-ups will become clear only once the toss takes place.

This story is based on reporting by IOL.