CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — Josh Inglis hit 85 not out on Wednesday to help Australia finish Day 2 of the deciding third and final cricket test firmly in control against South Africa on 330-4.

Playing his first test since December, Inglis struck nine fours and two sixes and put on an unbeaten 145-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Alex Carey.

Carey was 51 not out as Australia made a strong first-innings reply to South Africa’s total of 329.

Earlier, Matt Renshaw scored 74 while Cameron Green returned from injury to add 65.

Renshaw had opened with Travis Head (41). The duo enjoyed a wicketless first hour before off-spinner Simon Harmer struck twice in an over to reduce Australia to 58-2.

Inglis leads way as Australia takes control of deciding test vs South Africa | iNFOnews.ca — Australia’s Josh Inglis celebrates his fifty on day two of the third cricket test match between South Africa and Australia, in Cape Town, South Africa, Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Halden Krog)

Head was bowled – chopping onto his stumps – while Marnus Labuschagne was caught at slip for a five-ball duck.

Renshaw and Green added 32 runs before lunch before taking their third-wicket stand to 126 as Australia scored 73 in the first hour after the interval.

Marco Jansen then removed Renshaw as he chased a short delivery. There was a faint edge and he was given out caught behind via DRS.

It was Jansen’s 100th test wicket and he struck again two overs later, with Green caught at slip.

However, the final session belonged completely to Australia as it added 139 without further loss.

Inglis led the way while Carey claimed his first half-century in 12 test innings to help Australia record its first 100-plus stand for the fifth wicket against South Africa since 2014.

The series is tied at 1-1. Australia won the first test in Durban by 214 runs, while South Africa won the second match in Gqeberha by an innings and 31 runs.