Australia v South Africa LIVE: Series on the line as final Test goes down to day five

Christy DoranUpdated October 31, 2026 — 7:07pm,first published 7:00pmKey Posts7.07pmCloud cover could tip scales in Proteas’ favourBy Daniel BrettigThere is some cloud above Newlands this morning, which may be a material factor in how this chase plays out. It was under similar skies that Starc got the second new ball swerving on the first evening. Australia will be hoping that the breeze shifts that overhead cover in time for it to be another sunny day, the better to run down the target of 288. All Australia’s batters are having a hit in the nets this morning.7.04pmMarnus’ moment of truthBy Christy DoranIt’s do-or-die for Marnus Labuschagne.He secretly would have been happy that the Proteas batted the day yesterday because it’s given him a chance to save his Test career.There’s already been calls for Josh Inglis to move to No.3 in the order to start the Australian summer in place for Labuschagne. But he can have his say on that matter today.After falling for a five-ball duck in the first innings, the pressure will be firmly on the Australian No.3 to deliver, with the Aussies needing 288 runs for victory on the final day.It means the 32-year-old failed to score a Test century for the 48th time in a row - a record for the number of consecutive innings a batter in Australia’s top four has waited to raise his bat at three figures. He hasn’t scored a Test century since July 2023.6.54pmAustralia slight outsidersBy Christy DoranThe equation is simple: Australia require 288 runs to win.After Wiaan Mulder was out for 115 at the end of day four, Australia will start their innings with 10 wickets. The bookies have South Africa as slight $1.95 favourites, with Australia paying $2.35 to win at the start of play.The pitch is turning but the bounce has remained consistent throughout the Test. That’s shown by the fine centuries on day four to Mulder and Ryan Rickelton, who hit 101.Mitch Starc took three wickets while Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon took two. Josh Hazlewood snared one scalp, and there was two run outs.All eyes will be on Australia’s top three, especially Marnus Labuschagne.After the third Test started on Tuesday, there should be a healthy crowd at Newlands given it’s a Saturday. In fact, it should be the best crowd of the series, which wouldn’t be hard, but you’d hope that Newlands is packed given the series is on the line. South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton celebrates his hundred.AP Photo/Halden Krog6.48pmWeather, Session times for day fiveBy Christy DoranAfter a few days of glorious sunshine and blue skies, the clouds have rolled it. But thankfully, it doesn’t look like we’ll have any rain.First session: 7.30pm to 9.30pm (AEDT)Second session: 10.10pm to 12.10am (AEDT)Third session: 12.30am to 2.30am6.43pmWelcomeBy Christy DoranG’day and welcome to our live blog of day five of the third and final Test between Australia and South Africa at Newlands, Cape Town.I’m Christy Doran and I’ll be taking you through tonight’s action while Dan Brettig is on the ground in Cape Town. Play is set to resume at 7:30pm AEDT. Enjoy the action tonight, it promises to be a ripper.1 of 1