Starc’s six-wicket burst rescues Australia in decider

Mitchell Starc claimed six wickets in a stunning final-session spell as Australia bowled South Africa out for 329 on day one of the deciding third test at Newlands in Cape Town on Tuesday.

South Africa had dominated the morning after being put in to bat, reaching 140-0 at lunch thanks to Marques Ackerman, 95, and Aiden Markram, 78.

Ackerman was stumped five short of a maiden test ton off Nathan Lyon.

The hosts collapsed from 158-0 to lose 10 wickets for 171.

After tea on 221-4, they added 95 through Marco Jansen, 52, and Ryan Rickelton, 42, before Starc tore through the tail with the second new ball.

Starc, who finished with 6-72, removed David Bedingham for 50 and Wiaan Mulder, Gerald Coetzee and Kagiso Rabada for ducks, as the last four wickets fell for just two runs.

Lyon took 2-71 including captain Temba Bavuma for a duck, while Josh Hazlewood and Cooper Connolly claimed one each.

Day two will kick off with Australia’s first innings at 10:30am on Wednesday.