Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder struck centuries as South Africa were bowled out for 387 on day four of the decisive third Test against Australia, setting the touring side a victory target of 288 on the final day. Australia toiled, taking a single wicket in the opening two sessions before a late surge after tea, leaving the home side in control ahead of Saturday’s finish.
Centuries Build Commanding Target
Mulder top-scored with 115, marking his fourth Test century, while Rickelton amassed 101 to ensure Australia will need to complete the second-highest successful run chase in 137 years of Test cricket at Newlands. South Africa resumed their second innings on the fourth morning at 140-4 and lost only Matthew Breetzke (43) across the first two sessions. Breetzke fell to a pull shot off Pat Cummins (2-71), getting caught on the boundary by Mitchell Starc.
Rickelton and Mulder then shared a 154-run partnership for the sixth wicket, taking few risks while steadily accumulating runs. As Sky Sports reported, Rickelton noted that the morning began effectively at 40-4, requiring them to focus on spending time at the crease rather than worrying about scoring quickly or looking too far ahead.
Mulder was eventually the last batsman dismissed as he attempted to accelerate the scoring pace, caught on the boundary by Starc off Cummins to conclude the innings. Nathan Lyon also contributed with the ball for Australia, claiming 2-101 on a pitch displaying considerable spin and variable bounce for the seamers.
Chasing History on the Final Day
Australia face a difficult task on a deteriorating wicket, with Josh Inglis having noted on Thursday that a target exceeding 200 would prove challenging for the team batting last. The tourists must score at more than three runs per over against a rested South African bowling attack.
The series is currently level at 1-1 after Australia claimed the opening Test by 214 runs in Durban, and South Africa bounced back with an innings and 31-run victory in Gqeberha. Rickelton described the series as a special contest that has ebbed and flowed across all three games. The winner of this final match will claim the number one spot in the Test world rankings, which is currently occupied by Australia.
