Proteas vs Australia 3rd Test Betting Guide: Newlands

The Test series between South Africa and Australia is level at 1-1, and the decider starts on Tuesday 27 October at Newlands in Cape Town. Australia won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs. South Africa answered in Gqeberha with an innings and 31 run win. Now it comes down to five days in Cape Town.

Test cricket is a different betting product from T20. A match can swing on a single session, and a draw is a real result. This guide covers the squads, the markets that matter, and how to compare prices at South African bookmakers. We do not list odds here, since they move with team news and the weather forecast.

How the series got here

• 1st Test, Durban: Australia won by 214 runs.
• 2nd Test, Gqeberha: South Africa won by an innings and 31 runs.
• 3rd Test, Cape Town: 27 to 31 October. The winner takes the series. A draw leaves it level at 1-1.

That last point matters for the series market. If the third Test is drawn, the series is drawn. Check how your bookmaker settles "series winner" bets in that case. Some operators offer a separate "series draw" selection, and others void or settle differently.

Squad news

Anrich Nortje is out of the third Test with a groin injury picked up in the second Test. South Africa's squad is Temba Bavuma (captain), Marques Ackerman, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne. Reports say no replacement was added for Nortje. Bosch, Coetzee and Paterson are the main contenders for the spot.

Australia are led by Pat Cummins. Their squad includes Steve Smith, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon and Alex Carey. Cameron Green and Josh Inglis have had fitness concerns, and some previews say both are available. Do not place a player market on either until the team sheet is out at the toss.

The markets that matter in a Test

Match result (3-way)

This market has three outcomes: South Africa, Australia or the draw. Over five days, the draw is live, especially if rain costs overs. The draw price is a number to watch. If the forecast turns, a draw that looked unlikely on Monday can shorten fast.

Series winner

With the series at 1-1, this market mirrors the match result. If you back South Africa to win the series, you need a win in Cape Town. Check the draw rules before you stake.

First innings lead

This market settles after both teams have batted once. It removes the draw and the late chase. Many Test punters prefer it because the toss and the first two sessions matter heavily. It is also the market where a quick read of the pitch report pays off.

Top runscorer and top wicket-taker

Player markets pay well but carry high variance. Pick one batter and one bowler per innings at most. Use each-way terms where they are on offer, and read the bookmaker's dead heat rules. Our each-way calculator shows what a place return looks like.

Session and total runs markets

Total match runs and session lines suit punters who follow the cricket closely. Bookmakers set them on average scoring rates, so a fast Newlands morning with seam movement can push the numbers around on day one. Watch the opening session before you take a day-two line.

How to approach Newlands

Newlands is one of the best-known venues in world cricket, with Table Mountain behind the stands. Bowlers get help early in many matches, which is why the toss decision and the first-innings lead market get so much attention. Read the pitch report on the morning of the match, and check the Cape Town weather forecast for each of the five days. Rain affects the draw price more than any other single factor.

A simple approach for the third Test:

1. Check the weather forecast before you pick a side. A wet forecast favours the draw.
2. Wait for the toss and the confirmed XIs.
3. Look at first innings lead if you want to avoid the draw.
4. Keep player markets small. Variance is high.
5. Compare the price at two bookmakers before you place the bet.

Where to bet on the Proteas

Odds on Test cricket vary more between South African bookmakers than on football, because fewer punters shape the lines. Open two or three accounts and check the same market at each. FICA verification is compulsory, so upload your documents before the match starts. See our cricket betting guide for South Africa and our list of the best cricket betting sites for a full comparison.

• Betway: Wide cricket coverage and a fast app. The listed welcome offer is 10 free spins, 10 free flights and a R10 free bet. Read the Betway review and the Betway cricket betting page, then open Betway.
• Supabets: Cricket is on its listed sports menu. The listed welcome offer is a R50 free bet, 100 free spins and up to R5,000. Read the Supabets review and the Supabets cricket page, then open Supabets.
• Hollywoodbets: A large SA operator with wide cricket markets. Read the Hollywoodbets review and the Hollywoodbets cricket page, then open Hollywoodbets.

Welcome offers change often and carry wagering requirements. Read the terms on the bookmaker's page before you deposit. Browse the full list on our bookmakers hub.

Bankroll rules for a five-day Test

A Test match runs for five days, so your stake plan should too. Do not put your full budget on one result on day one. Live betting is available, and prices move after every session. If you want to add a position later, use the hedge bet calculator to see what a hedge locks in.