
Australia found an unlikely hero in Josh Inglis during the third Test against South Africa at Newlands in Cape Town. Brought into the playing XI at short notice after Steve Smith was ruled out with a neck injury, Inglis produced a brilliant counter-attacking century to rescue Australia from a difficult position.
The right-hander reached 102 off 135 deliveries, hitting 11 fours and two sixes. His innings helped Australia recover from 191/4 and build a crucial first-innings lead alongside Alex Carey. Inglis’ remarkable performance attracted attention from cricket fans, with his late inclusion and recent injury recovery making the century even more impressive.
Josh Inglis shines after late call-up with a brilliant Test century
Inglis was given only around 30 minutes’ notice before the match that he would be playing. He had also been recovering from a finger injury that kept him out of the first two Tests and had not played competitive red-ball cricket since March 2026. Australia were in trouble after Marco Jansen dismissed Cameron Green and Marnus Labuschagne in quick succession. With the score at 191/4, Inglis joined Carey and immediately looked to put pressure back on the South African bowlers.
While Carey played the anchoring role, Inglis counter-attacked with confident drives and sweeps. He brought up his century on the third morning, reaching the milestone in 132 deliveries with a reverse-sweep for four off Simon Harmer. Inglis was dismissed for 102 soon after, edging Harmer behind the stumps. However, his 145-run partnership with Carey had already shifted the momentum in Australia’s favour.
Mitchell Starc’s six-wicket haul puts Australia back in the contest
South Africa looked firmly in control on Day 1 after Aiden Markram and Marques Ackerman combined for a 158-run opening partnership. Markram scored 78, while Ackerman narrowly missed out on a century with 95 as the hosts dominated the opening session. Australia fought back after Nathan Lyon dismissed Ackerman, triggering a collapse that saw South Africa lose six wickets for 74 runs. David Bedingham scored 50 and Jansen added 52, but the hosts were eventually bowled out for 329.
Mitchell Starc led Australia’s fightback with a superb spell, claiming 6/72. The left-arm pacer struck four times in a devastating burst with the second new ball, removing key batters and wrapping up South Africa’s innings. His performance gave Australia a chance to take control of the series decider before the visitors’ batters responded with a strong effort of their own.
Also WATCH: South African fan hilariously offers sandpaper to Nathan Lyon during Cape Town Test
Here’s how fans reacted:
Josh Inglis played a fantastic knock ✅#JoshInglis #SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/5cO5aL20qu
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) October 29, 2026
– 2 Hundreds in Tests.
– 2 Hundreds in ODIs.
– 2 Hundreds in T20Is.JOSH INGLIS – A utility player in all formats for Australia in International cricket 🔥 pic.twitter.com/BRdsjPKn6B
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) October 29, 2026
Josh Inglis joins 26 other Australians to have two Test centuries in their first 6 Tests. And the last one was….?
— Ric Finlay (@RicFinlay) October 29, 2026
Josh Inglis gajab ka player 🏏
— Khush Raho (@KhusshRaho) October 29, 2026
Australians who have scored multiple centuries in all three international formats:
Josh Inglis
That’s the complete list.#SAvAUS
— Louis Cameron (@LouisDBCameron) October 29, 2026
Josh Inglis turns his overnight 85 into a century on day three at Newlands before falling to Simon Harmer for 102 off 135 balls, caught by Ryan Rickelton. #SAvAUS #TestCricket pic.twitter.com/KShFRXiUer
— Harshit singh (@Harshit92135329) October 29, 2026
Josh Inglis has ended Marnus Labuschagne test Career in a single innings.🔥
– He registered his second test hundred when it matters the most. https://t.co/Wq9LC644uF pic.twitter.com/YeY2zGPLXq
— Kashif (@KashifNdmCric) October 29, 2026
WELL PLAYED, JOSH INGLIS..!! 🫡
Runs – 102.
Balls – 135.
Fours – 11.
Sixes – 2.He replaced Steve Smith and smashed a brilliant hundred against South Africa in South Africa. 🔥#SAvAUS pic.twitter.com/cxEQqjfuky
— Rana Ahmad. (@AhmadRana056) October 29, 2026
COME ON! 🙌🔥 Josh Inglis brings up his second Test century in just his 8th Test innings! 💯🇦🇺#SAvAUS #Unbreakable #TheProteas #Australia #CapeTown #JoshInglis pic.twitter.com/enZtUIoUOf
— Diptiman Yadav (@diptiman_6450) October 29, 2026
Super innings from Josh Inglis. Was fortunate to witness his maiden ton live in Galle #SAvAUS
— Smokie Dawson (@smokiedawson) October 29, 2026
Also READ: 3 reasons why Marnus Labuschagne should be dropped from Australia’s Test team
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