Cummins ends drought as Proteas threaten another twist

Scott Bailey | October 30, 2026

Pat Cummins’ drought-breaking wicket has given Australia a crucial breakthrough in Cape Town, as South Africa went to lunch on day four of the series decider at 5-202 and with a lead of 102 runs.

In a series full of twists and turns, the Proteas fought through the opening 85 minutes of Friday’s first session unscathed.

But Matthew Breetzke became the fifth Protea to be out hooking in this Test, when he went after a Cummins ball and picked out Mitchell Starc at fine leg. 

Breetzke swiped the air with his bat in frustration, knowing he had let an opportunity go in a session where South Africa were patient and added 62 runs.

Cummins had endured the longest wait for a wicket in his Test career until that point, having bowled 374 balls and conceded 210 runs since his last in Durban.

South Africa had said on Thursday they believed they could defend as little as 120, on a pitch offering plenty of turn with puffs of dust exploding.

Australia suggested they would want to keep the Proteas’ lead to less than 200, while also believing time could be a bigger factor as the wicket wears.

The Proteas showed a willingness to fight throughout Friday morning, with Ryan Rickelton (39no) at one stage going nearly 30 minutes with his score on 24.

The left-hander then produced three boundaries in the next three overs, including a glorious drive off Cummins that went through mid-on for four.

Australia arrived at Newlands on Friday well on top, with South Africa resuming at 4-140.

But fightbacks have been the theme of this series, with the No.1 spot in the ICC Test rankings on the line and the Proteas trying to remain unbeaten at home since 2021.

Australia were 6-124 in the first Test in Durban before Matt Renshaw’s career-defining 190 hit them to 390 and a big win to start the series.

The Proteas were then 6-110 in Gqeberha last week, before Temba Bavuma’s century took them to 9-425 declared and Australia were flogged after being bowled out for 99 in reply.

Even in this Test the Proteas reached 0-140 at lunch on the first day, before Starc’s six-wicket haul put Australia back in the game and the tourists eventually claimed a 100-run first-innings lead.

Australia’s decision to bowl first may be back in the spotlight if they are unable to chase down a fourth-innings target on a deteriorating wicket.