Brief

Mitchell Starc’s four‑wicket burst turns Test in Cape Town for Australia

Starc’s six‑for‑72 spell on October 28 ended a day when Australia trailed South Africa’s 329‑run total.

By Felo News Desk · Published Wed, 28 Oct 2026 11:30:15 GMT

On October 28, 2026, Mitchell Starc produced a decisive spell in the third Test between Australia and South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town, taking four wickets in six deliveries and finishing with figures of 6‑72. The burst came after Australia fell behind early in the innings, with South Africa reaching 329 for 7 at the close of play on day two.

Pat Cummins, Australia’s captain, had elected to bowl first, a decision the article likens to a historic call by former England captain Nasser Hussain. After a 20‑minute break before stumps, Cummins handed Starc a brand‑new Kookaburra ball. Within the next over, Starc dismissed Ryan Rickelton (lbw) for 42, Marco Jansen (bowled) for 52, and later Gerald Coetzee (bowled) for a duck, all with the new ball.

Starc’s spell came after a dominant opening partnership for South Africa, with Aiden Markram and Marques Ackerman putting on 158 runs. By the time Starc entered with the second new ball, South Africa were 6‑325, still on course for a 400‑plus total. His first two wickets were taken with bouncers that exploited the seam, while the later dismissals came from yorkers that swung late and hit the pads.

By the end of the day, Starc’s analysis of 6‑72 marked his 20th five‑wicket haul in Tests and was his seventh‑best return in a 110‑match career. The article notes that six of his eight best figures have come in the past two years, underscoring his sustained pace and swing despite his age.

The match concluded with the series shared, as Australia’s comeback, sparked by Starc’s spell, prevented a South African victory after a strong first‑innings total.

Key facts

• Mitchell Starc took 6‑72 in the third Test at Newlands, Cape Town. (smh.com.au)
• Starc dismissed Ryan Rickelton, Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee in a six‑ball spell. (smh.com.au)
• South Africa posted 329 for 7 at the close of day two. (smh.com.au)
• Pat Cummins chose to bowl first, handing Starc a new ball before stumps. (smh.com.au)
• The series ended level after Australia’s comeback. (smh.com.au)

Sources

• [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Mitchell Starc: How incredible spell turned the third Australia vs South Africa Test and saved Pat Cummins”