South Africa lost just one wicket across the first two sessions on day four, reaching 294 for five by tea. Ryan Rickelton scored an unbeaten 83 and combined with Wiaan Mulder for an unbroken 113-run stand to overcome Australia's initial 100-run first-innings advantage. Matthew Breetzke contributed 43 before departing, leaving the visitors facing a daunting fourth-innings chase given Josh Inglis's warning about the difficulty of tracking down 200 on this worn pitch.
Key points
Setting a target beyond 200 runs will test Australia on a Newlands surface that is showin…: Setting a target beyond 200 runs will test Australia on a Newlands surface that is showing increasing signs of wear.
The outcome of this decisive third test will break the 1-1 series deadlock following earl…: The outcome of this decisive third test will break the 1-1 series deadlock following earlier blowouts by both teams.
Victory in this final contest will award the winner the official number one position in t…: Victory in this final contest will award the winner the official number one position in the world test rankings.
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CAPE TOWN, Oct 30 : South Africa reached 294 for five at tea on day four of the decisive third test against Australia at Newlands on Friday, a lead of 194 as they look to set the touring side an imposing target for victory.
• Left-hander Ryan Rickelton is not out on 83 and Wiaan Mulder on 46 after South Africa lost only one wicket in two sessions on day four.
• Rickelton and Mulder have put on 113 for the sixth wicket and batted through the afternoon session against spin from one end and seam at the other.
• Australia might have hoped to get more from the new ball but the home side were circumspect and accumulated runs rather than attacking the bowling.
• The pitch is starting to show signs of wear, with Australia batter Josh Inglis saying on Thursday a chase of over 200 would be a difficult one batting last.
• Starting the day on 140 for four, South Africa lost
Matthew Breetzke (43) when he was caught on the pull by Mitchell Starc off…
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