Rickelton, Mulder tons set up a thrilling finish as SA bowled out Australia for 288 runs

Quick Scores: South Africa (329 and 387) lead Australia (429) by 287 runs at the end of play on Day 4 of the third Test

South Africa were staring at collapse at 181 for 5, but Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder had other plans. With the series hanging in the balance, the duo dug deep, hitting spectacular centuries to drag South Africa back into the contest on Day 4 of the third Test. Their 154 runs for the sixth wicket turned the match and left Australia with 288 runs to chase for a series win at Newlands.

After conceding a 100-run lead in the first innings, South Africa had little room for error. Australia’s bowlers found a way to keep the hosts under pressure, but Rickelton and Mulder refused to budge. Instead of attacking Australia recklessly, they showed the discipline the situation demanded, negotiating turnover and variable bounce and punishing loose deliveries. It was a far cry from South Africa’s first innings rush.

South Africa vs Australia 3rd Test Day 4: Highlights | Scorecard

Rickelton set the tone with a brilliant 101 off 219 deliveries to reach his third Test hundred. He looked increasingly confident as his innings progressed, finding gaps in the offside and keeping the Australian bowlers at bay. Just when he looked set to take South Africa on, his run was cut short by resistance. His release, however, did little to detract from the bitter struggle he waged.

In a moment that could have undone the South African camp, Rickelton went for a single after Mulder attempted a turn. He believed the ball went past Josh Inglis at the back point, but the Australian keeper made an excellent stop to throw towards Marnus Labuschagne. Labuschagne took the bails off with Rickelton well out of his crease.

However, Mulder ensured that South Africa would not immediately lose its momentum. The all-rounder scored 115 off 221 deliveries, registering his fourth Test century and providing the foundation for the hosts’ second-innings recovery.

Just when Australia seemed to have regained some composure after tea, Mulder found another device. As wickets tumbled around him, he added a crucial 36 runs with Kagiso Rabada for the last wicket, bringing South Africa closer to the formidable target.

His innings eventually ended in the last over when he tried to accelerate and holed Pat Cummins. South Africa were bowled out for 387, leaving Australia needing 288 to win.

Australia spent most of the day looking for a breakthrough. They managed just one wicket in the first two sessions, with Matthew Breetzke falling for 43 after he edged Cummins at fine leg. The Australian captain finally ended his wait for a Test wicket, striking for the first time since the series opener and ending a 374-ball drought.

The visitors finally found some momentum after tea, but Rickelton and Mulder had already done enough to ensure the game headed for a convincing finish.

AUSTRALIA FACIAL TEMPERATURE TEST

Australia need 288 to win the Cape Town Test and take the series 2-1. Courtesy: AP

The challenge facing Australia is far from simple. Newlands began to show signs of wear and tear, with Nathan Lyon earning considerable turnover and the seamers finding a variable rebound. On paper, a target of 288 may seem within reach, but hitting last on this surface can be a very different proposition.

South Africa, meanwhile, will have the benefit of a rested bowling attack after spending most of the day in the field. Their bowlers will know that the first few wickets could put Australia under huge pressure and put the series in their hands.

The highest successful fourth innings at Newlands remains Australia’s 331 against South Africa in 2002 under Ricky Ponting. The current Australian side will need to produce another memorable effort if they are to approach that mark.

The series is locked at 1-1 after Australia won the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs before South Africa responded with an innings and 31-run victory in Gqeberha.

There’s more at stake than just streaks. The winner of the third Test will also claim the top spot in the world Test rankings, currently held by Australia.

After four days of fluctuating fortunes, the contest came down to one final innings. South Africa took a chance. Australia must now find a way to finish the job.

– The end