Proteas hope to land knockout blow in Cape Town with World No 1 ranking on the line

Australia is set to resume the third and decisive Test match against South Africa at Newlands, the historic cricket ground in Cape Town, where a controversial ball-tampering incident, known as Sandpapergate, occurred eight years ago. Travis Head, the Australian opener, has expressed confidence in Steve Smith's ability to overcome the mental challenges that came with the 2018 scandal at the same venue.

Head believes Smith has shown resilience in the past, specifically in England, and supports him through this difficult time. The match will be covered live by ABC Sport through their blog and radio commentary.

Newlands holds a significant place in cricket history, with no Test match played there in October and only three played in November, all against Australia. The most recent November fixture saw South Africa winning an eight-wicket match in 2011. The ground has witnessed intense contests between bat and ball in the past, such as the five-day Test match in Durban and the five-day Test match in Port Elizabeth (Gqeberha). Currently, the series is level at 1-1 after strong performances in the first two Tests.

South Africa will be without fast bowler Anrich Nortje, who sustained a groin injury during the second Test. Their captain, Temba Bavuma, is expected to choose from among players like Gerald Coetzee, Pato Dane Paterson, Corbin Bosch, and Senuran Muthusamy to replace Nortje. Whatever the decision, Bavuma is confident the selected player will be a part of the best XI for the match conditions.