Century-maker Inglis says more runs were needed as Australia chase victory at Newlands

Cape Town. Australia's Josh Inglis struck a century in the ongoing decisive third Test against South Africa to put his team in a strong position, though he himself admitted that Australia should have scored more runs in their first innings. In this match being played at the historic Newlands ground, hosts South Africa have reached 140 for four in their second innings at stumps. This means South Africa still trail overall by 40 runs with six wickets in hand. After four days of play, this situation shows that the contest remains wide open, even though Australia are being seen as the favourites to win. Inglis scored 102 in the first innings, which is the second century of his Test career. Interestingly, both times his score has been exactly 102 — a coincidence that carries no particular statistical meaning but has certainly become a talking point. The biggest feature of this century is that Inglis only learned on the morning of the match that he would be playing, because Steve Smith was ruled out with a neck injury. Inglis said that he only found out he was playing once he arrived at the ground, which was not ideal preparation. He said the situation was challenging, but a professional cricketer has to be ready for every circumstance. Despite scoring a century, Inglis's self-critical attitude was the most discussed aspect. He stated clearly that Australia should have extended their innings further this morning. According to him, the team should have added at least another 50 runs, because a big total was needed. This statement is significant because Australia's innings ended at 429 — a lead of 100 runs in reply to South Africa's 329. Had the team added another 50 to 70 runs, that lead would have proved more valuable in the fourth innings, because on a wearing pitch every additional run carries far greater weight. Alex Carey also played an important role in Australia's innings, scoring 80. Carey and Inglis — both wicketkeeper-batters — together added nearly 180 runs to Australia's total, which was the main foundation of their lead. This is a clear indication of Australia's deep bench strength — a team that can field two wicketkeeper-batters as specialist batters at the same time. However, this also carries an inherent risk: once Smith is fit, a complex selection problem will arise, because two out of three contenders must be chosen. As for South Africa's second innings, the team made a good start. Marques Ackerman scored 62 and captain Temba Bavuma made 35. Both batters looked in good touch, and Inglis himself admitted they were batting well. But in the final session of the day, Australia dismissed both to change the course of the match. Had these two batters stayed on, South Africa's lead could have reached 80 to 100 runs. Their early dismissals forced the hosts to remain in a struggle despite being behind. On this session, Inglis said Australia controlled the tempo of the match, which is an accurate description of that session. The biggest relief for Australia was the bowling of Nathan Lyon, whom Inglis described as excellent. According to Inglis, Lyon bowled brilliantly and looked threatening the whole time. This is the most important signal for Australia, because if a spinner is looking this dangerous on day three, the pitch will help spinners even more on days four and five. Inglis also said that chasing a target of more than 200 in the final innings could prove difficult for South Africa. His assessment that even a big target would be challenging on this pitch reflects his understanding of a wearing surface. Inglis believes that if South Africa set any target above 200, batting in the final innings will not be easy for Australia. This is a logical assessment, because South Africa's pace bowling becomes even more effective on this pitch, and Australia's batting order also has experienced players who will face challenges on a wearing pitch. Despite a 100-run lead, the contest could remain competitive around a target of 200 to 230. In terms of the series, this is the decisive third Test, meaning both teams are level at 1-1 and the result of this match will decide the fate of the series. Australia have a strong position thanks to their depth and strong bench, while South Africa's path is based on home pace bowling and captain Bavuma's experience. Despite Steve Smith being ruled out in this match, Australia played brilliantly, which proves that the team's system is strong. This Test also made clear that Inglis is truly a talented batter who made full use of his opportunity. South Africa's biggest problem has been a lack of consistency in batting. Despite playing on a good pitch, the team could not build a big score. Ackerman and Bavuma made good starts but could not convert them into big innings. If South Africa are to make a comeback in this Test, their lower-order batters will have to take responsibility. Bavuma's dismissal for 35 proved to be the decisive moment, because at that time he was in the role of anchoring the innings. Inglis also said that while his century gave Australia strength, Smith's absence will be a major challenge when batting in the fourth innings, because Australia may see a change in the slip cordon. Captain Bavuma's team still has a chance to turn this contest around, provided their lower-order batters play their part. Lyon's bowling and Inglis's batting have made Australia strong. If South Africa build a big score on the Newlands pitch, Australia will have to chase a challenging target in the final innings, and this match could genuinely be wide open. Australia are more likely to win, but the excitement of the third Test is not over yet. South Africa have six wickets, and if they set a target above 200, the contest could stretch to the final day. Australia's depth has emerged most clearly in this Test. A player who only learned on the morning of the match that he was playing went on to score a century. This is a symbol of the team's preparation and bench strength. At the same time, it proves that Australia's wicketkeeper-batter model is working. Both Carey and Inglis contributed with the bat, which benefited the team. However, Australia's concern for the fourth innings is that Smith is absent and some of the team's batters are now ageing. Inglis believes that if South Africa set a target above 200, it will be challenging. This is an accurate assessment and shows that Australia do not consider themselves in as strong a position as the scorecard suggests. The future of the match will now depend on how many runs South Africa score and how effective Australia's spinner Lyon proves to be. If Lyon continues bowling in this manner on day four, Australia will clearly be ahead. On the other hand, if the hosts' batting order shows strength, the contest could take an exciting turn. This kind of performance in a decisive Test also demonstrates how important home conditions are in Test cricket. South Africa benefit from pace bowling and favourable conditions on home soil, while a team like Australia has to adapt to foreign conditions. In this match, Australia have adapted well, which reflects their strong cricket culture. The Newlands ground has historically been favourable for pace bowling, and batting is easy early on, but as the match progresses the pitch becomes more helpful to spinners. Inglis described the pitch as good for batting, which indicates that batters still have a chance, but Lyon's threat is clear. In this situation, if South Africa build a big score, the challenge for Australia will increase. Ultimately, it can be said that this Test match is entering its final phase and both teams have a chance to win. Inglis's century and Lyon's bowling give Australia an edge, but South Africa have not given up yet. If the hosts' batters show responsibility, this series could reach a decisive conclusion. For fans of both teams, this contest is going to be full of excitement. Day four's play will decide the future of this Test.