Last Updated on 29 seconds ago by Charbel Coorey
After South Africa’s superb victory over Australia at Gqeberha, attention now turns to the series decider at Cape Town. It will be the first Test between the nations at Newlands since the infamous match of 2018. Just like eight years ago, there is plenty riding on this encounter.
Rain played a big factor in the Gqeberha Test, with over 140 overs lost. The weather forecast looks much more promising for the Cape Town Test, which kicks off on Tuesday October 27.
Weather forecast for SA vs AUS 3rd Test: Cape Town expected to serve good conditions
According to BBC Weather, players and spectators will be greeted with mostly sunny conditions throughout the match at one of the most picturesque venues in world cricket. “Sunny and a gentle breeze” is forecast for day one with a top of 23 degrees, followed by similar weather for the remainder of the Test.
AccuWeather pains a similar picture, forecasting even warmer conditions in the city with temperatures in the high 20s.
With the sunshine throughout the five days, it gives Australia a decision to make regarding their bowling attack. They opted not to play Nathan Lyon in Gqeberha, replacing the offspinner with Scott Boland who had a superb match with bat and ball.
Given Boland’s performance, it would be a massive call to leave him out of the Cape Town Test. However, the sunny conditions at Newlands could mean spin plays a factor later in the match. Could the Australians leave out one of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc or Josh Hazlewood for Lyon? Time will tell.
The series is beautifully poised at 1-1 following South Africa’s stirring victory in the second Test. “We still have a job at hand with another match still to go. So, once that is gone, I’ll kind of allow myself to swim in all of that,” said Temba Bavuma after the match.
