Josh Inglis Powers Australia to Victory with Crucial Century after Late Call‑Up

Australia found an unlikely hero in Josh Inglis during the third Test against South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town. Brought into the playing XI at short notice after Steve Smith was ruled out with a neck injury, Inglis produced a brilliant counter‑attacking century to rescue Australia from a difficult position.

The right‑hander made 102 runs off 135 deliveries, scoring 11 fours and two sixes. His innings lifted Australia from 191/4 and helped them secure a crucial first‑innings lead alongside Alex Carey. The feat was all the more remarkable given Inglis’s recent finger‑injury recovery and his late inclusion.

Josh Inglis Shines after Late Call‑Up with a Crucial Test Century

Inglis received only about 30 minutes’ notice before the match that he would be playing. He had been nursing a finger injury that kept him out of the first two Tests and had not featured in red‑ball cricket since March 2026. Australia were struggling after Marco Jansen dismissed Cameron Green and Marnus Labuschagne in quick succession, leaving the total at 191/4. Inglis joined Alex Carey and instantly began applying pressure on the South African bowling.

Carey adopted an anchoring role while Inglis counter‑attacked with confident drives and sweeps. He reached his century on the third morning, completing the milestone in 132 deliveries with a reverse‑sweep for four off Simon Harmer. Inglis was soon dismissed for 102, edging a ball to Ryan Rickelton, but his 145‑run partnership with Carey had already swung the momentum in Australia’s favour.

Mitchell Starc’s Six‑Wicket Haul Turns the Tide in Cape Town

South Africa dominated the opening session of Day 1, thanks to a 158‑run partnership between Aiden Markram and Marques Ackerman. Markram scored 78 while Ackerman fell just short of a century on 95. Australia responded after Nathan Lyon removed Ackerman, triggering a collapse of six wickets for 74 runs. David Bedingham top‑scored with 50 and Jansen added 52, yet the hosts were eventually bowled out for 329.

Mitchell Starc led the Australian fight‑back with a stellar spell of 6/72. The left‑arm pacer claimed four wickets in a fierce second‑new‑ball burst, removing key Protea batters and wrapping up the innings. His performance gave Australia a solid platform to chase the target.

Fans Hail Inglis’s Heroic Performance

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