Delhi:The three-Test series between South Africa and Australia (SA vs AUS) has now reached its final stage. The third and decisive Test between the two teams will be played at the Newlands ground in Cape Town from 27 October. The series is currently tied at 1-1. In such a situation, both the teams will have their eyes on winning the last match and winning the series.

Australia had taken the lead by winning the first Test, but in the second match, South Africa made a spectacular comeback and won by an innings and 31 runs.

Captain Temba Bavuma's brilliant innings and Marco Jansen's all-round performance played an important role in this victory. Now a tough competition can be seen between the two teams in Cape Town.

What will be the nature of the Newlands pitch?

The pitch at Newlands ground in Cape Town provides good bounce and pace to the fast bowlers. Batsmen may get opportunities to score runs in the first two days of the match. However, the pitch is expected to slow down from the third day, which may help the bowlers.

In such a situation, the team winning the toss can decide to bat first. Making a big score in the first innings can prove to be important in the match. However, the real nature of the pitch will become clear only during the match.

Australia has the upper hand in head to head

So far 104 matches have been played between South Africa and Australia in Test cricket. Of these, Australia has won 55 matches, while South Africa has won 28. The remaining 21 matches were drawn or had no result.

Australia has a better record even on South African soil.

Of the 55 Tests played between the two teams, Australia has won 30 and South Africa has won 17. Australia has won 10 out of 14 tests at Newlands, while it has lost four matches.

However, in the last four bilateral Test series, the performance of both the teams has been equal. Australia and South Africa have won two series each.

There may be changes in Australia's playing XI

Australia's batting faltered badly in the first innings of the second Test and the entire team was reduced to just 99 runs. In such a situation, changes may be seen in the team's batting order for the third test.

Nick Maddinson has been released from the team. In such a situation, Matt Renshaw can start the innings with Travis Head. Cameron Green may also return to number five.

Steve Smith's neck problem is also a matter of concern for Australia. At the same time, Marnus Labuschagne is expected to retain his place. Australia's final playing XI will be decided before the match.

South Africa announced playing XI

South Africa has announced its playing XI for the third test. Fast bowler Enrique Norkhia has been ruled out due to a slight injury to the muscles near his waist in the second test.

Gerald Coetzee has been included in the team in his place.

South Africa's fast bowling attack has been strengthened by the return of Kagiso Rabada. In the second test, captain Temba Bavuma and Marco Jansen performed brilliantly with the bat. Now the team will hope that its bowlers will keep the Australian batsmen under pressure in Cape Town also.

SA vs AUS 3rd Test: Playing XI of both teams

South Africa's playing XI: Aiden Markram, Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Temba Bavuma (captain), Matthew Britzke, Ryan Rickelton (wicketkeeper), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Janssen, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee.

Australia's probable playing XI: Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wicketkeeper), Josh Inglis, Pat Cummins (captain), Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood.

Everyone's eyes will be on these players

Temba Bavuma: The South African captain played a brilliant inning of 179 runs in 334 balls in the second test. His innings included 18 fours and one six. A big innings will be expected from him in the third test also.

Marco Yansen: Yansen scored 85 runs in 100 balls in the second test and also did wonders with the ball. He gave a big blow to Australia's batting by taking five wickets in the first innings. This was the fifth five-wicket performance of his Test career.

Steve Smith: Australia's experienced batsman recently became the third player from his country to complete 11,000 runs in Test cricket. However, due to his neck problem, his playing will be monitored.

Travis Head: In the second innings of the second Test, Head scored 121 runs in 190 balls. If Australia has to win the series, then Head's batting can be important.

Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc: Both the bowlers had completed their 50 wickets in Test cricket against South Africa in the first Test of the series. Good performance will be expected from him in the third match also.

When and where to watch the match?

The third Test between South Africa and Australia will be played at the Newlands ground in Cape Town from 27 October. The match will start at 2 pm Indian time. Live streaming of the match will be available on FanCode's website and app.

Now all eyes will be on which team handles the pressure better in Cape Town. South Africa has a chance to win the series at home, while Australia would like to make a comeback and win the series.