Mitchell Starc produced a magical spell of fast bowling to dismantle South Africa’s lower order, claiming four wickets in six balls during the third Test between Australia and South Africa at Newlands
in Cape Town. The Australian left-arm pacer finished with figures of 6/72 as the hosts were bowled out for 329 on the opening day of the series decider on October 27, 2026.
The remarkable burst turned the momentum of the contest on its head, with Starc delivering a stunning finish after South Africa had looked well placed to post a much bigger total.
Mitchell Starc’s four wickets in six balls leave South Africa stunned
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South Africa enjoyed a commanding start after Australian captain Pat Cummins elected to bowl first. Openers Marques Ackerman and Aiden Markram took advantage of the batting-friendly conditions, putting together a 158-run partnership. Ackerman scored 95 off 94 balls, while Markram contributed 78, leaving Australia searching for answers.
However, the visitors gradually fought their way back into the contest before Starc took centre stage. After claiming the wickets of David Bedingham and Wiaan Mulder during Australia’s comeback, the left-armer returned with the second new ball to deliver a devastating late spell.
Starc first trapped Ryan Rickelton leg-before-wicket for 42 before bowling Marco Jansen for 52 just two deliveries later. The double strike broke South Africa’s resistance after Rickelton and Jansen had added 95 runs for the seventh wicket.
The Australian pacer continued his extraordinary run in the following over, bowling Gerald Coetzee for a golden duck. He then dismissed Kagiso Rabada leg-before-wicket to complete the stunning sequence of four wickets in six balls across two overs.
Starc’s brilliance helps Australia dismiss South Africa for 329
South Africa had moved to 203/1 at one stage, putting Australia under considerable pressure. However, the visitors clawed their way back into the match before Starc’s late burst ensured the Proteas were bowled out for 329.
Starc’s figures of 6/72 highlighted his impact on a dramatic opening day, with the fast bowler providing Australia with a crucial breakthrough when the home side appeared to be recovering.
The spell was particularly impressive because it came after South Africa had built substantial partnerships at the top of the order and again through Rickelton and Jansen in the middle.
