Simon Harmer Outwits Josh Inglis with Masterful Spin on Day 3 of Cape Town Test
Australia and South Africa clashed for supremacy in the series‑deciding third Test at Newlands in Cape Town, as visitors sought to secure a first‑innings lead on Day 3. Veteran off‑spinner Simon Harmer turned the tide by dismissing centurion Josh Inglis for 102 runs, dismissing a dangerous partnership and shifting momentum back to the Proteas.
Despite battling a fractured right index finger, centurion Josh Inglis delivered a determined counter‑attacking performance. His dismissal was pivotal for Australia, especially after Harmer also took Alex Carey at 80, providing South Africa with a timely chance to close the gap.
Simon Harmer outfoxes Josh Inglis with clever spin
The wicket fell to Inglis on the sixth ball of the 99th over. Harmer crafted a teasing delivery that sat just outside off stump, drifting slightly away from the bat. Recognising the opportunity, Inglis drove the ball, but his hard hands could not contain the turn. The resulting thin edge found the side of wicketkeeper Ryan Rickelton.
Rickelton responded rapidly, snaring the ball for a sharp catch behind the stumps and ending Inglis’ impressive chase at 102. The right‑hander seemed to expect greater turn than the ball supplied, giving Harmer a clear opening to capitalise on the slight judgment error.
Here’s the video:
Simon Harmer gets his man pic.twitter.com/ZMCugDdKNN
— Dexter (@DexteisGenius) October 29, 2026
Josh Inglis shines despite finger fracture
Inglis’ century was remarkable given the circumstances surrounding his selection. He was brought into Australia’s playing XI as a last‑minute replacement for the injured Steve Smith, while managing a fractured right index finger shielded by a splint.
Despite the physical challenge, the wicket‑keeper demonstrated composure and adaptability against South Africa’s spin‑laden attack. Initially struggling to settle, Inglis gradually found his rhythm and began applying pressure on the bowlers.
He often employed his feet to unsettle Harmer’s rhythm and attacked the line when opportunities arose. A standout performance was a powerful mid‑wicket six over deep, highlighting his capacity to challenge the spinners. Inglis also used his sweep selectively, blending calculated aggression with patient rotation to sustain Australia’s innings.
Having started Day 3 unbeaten at 85, Inglis displayed patience before reaching his century with a boundary through deep midwicket using a reverse sweep off Harmer. His run collection gave Australia valuable momentum and helped forge a reliable partnership with Alex Carey. Nevertheless, Harmer’s dismissal of Inglis altered the tempo at Newlands, as the off‑spinner later took Carey to 80, inflicting a significant blow on South Africa’s middle order.