WATCH: Matthew Breetzke’s hilarious antics after Mitchell Starc’s bouncer during SA vs AUS 3rd Test go viral
Day 4 of the series-deciding third Test between South Africa and Australia at Newlands produced a perfect blend of competitive cricket, light-hearted moments and remarkable batting performances. While the contest witnessed some entertaining exchanges between players, the Proteas stole the spotlight with a magnificent recovery that put them in a commanding position heading into the final day.
The day began with Australia searching for early breakthroughs after South Africa resumed their second innings at 140/4. Mitchell Starc wasted little time in testing the overnight batters, particularly Matthew Breetzke, with his trademark aggressive approach. However, one particular delivery led to an unexpected and hilarious exchange between the two players.
Matthew Breetzke’s cheeky response to Mitchell Starc goes viral
Starc decided to welcome Breetzke with a sharp bouncer delivered from around the wicket. The South African batter managed to evade the short-pitched delivery by ducking underneath it. What followed, however, was something nobody would have anticipated. Rather than getting back into his batting stance immediately, Breetzke remained crouched and looked up at the Australian fast bowler before sticking out his tongue and making a playful raspberry gesture.
The cheeky reaction caught Starc off guard and brought a smile to the fast bowler’s face. The amusing exchange quickly became one of the talking points of the morning session, offering a refreshing moment of humour amid an otherwise intense contest.
Breetzke eventually departed for 43 after mistiming a pull shot against Pat Cummins. Starc completed the catch near the boundary to bring an end to the South African batter’s entertaining stay at the crease.
Here’s the video:
Never change Matthew Breetzke 😂💀 #SAvAUS #SouthAfrica #TestCricket #MatthewBreetzke pic.twitter.com/k8guYhsERg
— FanCode (@FanCode) October 30, 2026
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Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder turn the game around for Proteas
While Breetzke provided the entertainment, Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder delivered the defining performances of South Africa’s second innings. With the hosts struggling at 181/5, the two batters joined forces to rescue their side from a difficult situation. They showed tremendous patience and determination, refusing to give Australia any further opportunities during a lengthy partnership.
Rickelton and Mulder added 154 runs for the sixth wicket, registering the second-highest sixth-wicket partnership for South Africa against Australia in Test cricket. Rickelton played the role of the anchor, producing a determined knock of 101 from 219 deliveries. His resistance finally ended through a sharp piece of fielding, with Josh Inglis effecting the run-out.
Mulder, meanwhile, continued to attack the Australian bowling attack and made the most of his opportunity. He struck 115 runs, including 10 boundaries and four sixes, to complete an outstanding century. With Kagiso Rabada providing valuable support towards the end, South Africa managed to reach 387 before being bowled out. Their impressive recovery left Australia with a target of 288 runs to secure victory. Australia now have a difficult task ahead as they attempt to chase down 288 on a Newlands surface that has started showing signs of wear and offering variable bounce. There is a major prize at stake beyond the match result. With the three-match series currently level at 1-1, the winner of the deciding Test will take the series and claim the No. 1 position in the ICC Test rankings.
Also WATCH: SA vs AUS – Ryan Rickelton’s reaction to a fan’s cheeky ‘Is your mom single?’ banner goes viral in 3rd Test
