Mitchell Starc Takes Six Wickets as Australia Bowl South Africa Out for 329 in Cape Town Test

Mitchell Starc ripped through South Africa's batting lineup with a six-wicket haul as Australia dismissed the hosts for 329 on day one of the third Test at Newlands in Cape Town. Starc's left-arm pace proved too much for the Proteas, who had looked solid at times but lost regular wickets after winning the toss and electing to bat. His figures of 6 for 73 from 19 overs were the standout performance, backed by two wickets from Josh Hazlewood and one each from Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon. South Africa's total was built around a fighting 85 from opener Dean Elgar and 62 from Temba Bavuma, but no other batsman passed 40. The collapse from 220 for 4 to 329 all out highlighted Australia's control with the ball, setting up a strong platform for their own first innings. With the series already level at 1-1, this match in Cape Town will decide the outcome, and Starc's early impact has given the visitors a crucial edge. Australia will now look to bat big and put South Africa under pressure on a pitch that is expected to deteriorate.