Rickelton and Mulder centuries set Australia a big target at Newlands

Newlands, Cape Town: The deciding Test between South Africa and Australia is beautifully poised after the fourth day, with the hosts setting Australia a target of more than 300. Ryan Rickelton made 101 and Wiaan Mulder 115 as South Africa batted through the day, leaving Australia a chase that would be the second-highest successful fourth-innings total in 137 years of Test cricket at Newlands. South Africa resumed on the fourth morning at 140 for 4, effectively 40 for 4 because their first-innings lead was 40 with four wickets down. Australia hoped the deteriorating pitch would bring quick wickets, but the home batsmen frustrated those plans. Matthew Breetzke was the only batsman dismissed in the first two sessions, falling for 43 to a pull shot that was caught on the boundary, a familiar mode of dismissal for South Africa in this Test. Rickelton and Mulder then took control. They added 154 for the sixth wicket, taking few risks and accumulating runs steadily. Rickelton made 101 and Mulder 115, his fourth Test century. The partnership put South Africa in a strong position and drained Australia's bowlers. Australia took only one wicket in the first two sessions before a burst after tea, but by then South Africa had built a substantial lead. Nathan Lyon took 2-101 and found turn, while the seamers had to contend with variable bounce. The South African batsmen did not lose patience. Mulder was the last man out, caught on the boundary as he tried to increase the tempo, and the innings ended at the close of play. Australia will chase on Saturday. Rickelton told reporters: “It was about trying to win the small moments. We knew we were effectively 40 for four this morning and that Australia would come hard at us.” He added: “It was about spending time at the crease rather than worrying about scoring runs or getting too far ahead of ourselves. We had our plans and needed to stick to them. We knew the longer we batted, the more frustrated Australia would become. Perhaps they expected things to happen quite quickly because of the deteriorating wicket.” Australia now face a demanding chase. They need more than 300 at better than three runs an over against a South African attack that has had its feet up for more than a day and a half. The fast bowlers are fresh and the spinners will be confident. The Newlands pitch offered turn on the fourth day, and some balls kept low or bounced unevenly. Australia's batsmen will need to be careful. Early wickets would give South Africa complete control. The series is level at 1-1. Australia won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs, and South Africa hit back with an innings-and-31-run victory in Gqeberha. The winner of this match will take the No. 1 spot in the Test rankings, currently held by Australia. South Africa's batting on the fourth day showed clear intent. Rickelton and Mulder gave the team the platform it needed. The bowlers must now maintain the same discipline. Australia, meanwhile, will rely on experience and patience. Saturday promises an intriguing contest, with the series and the top ranking both at stake. Australia tried several changes in strategy during the day, rotating their bowlers, but the South African pair refused to be pressured. Rickelton and Mulder showed good understanding, keeping the scoring rate modest while preserving their wickets. That patience proved to be South Africa's biggest strength. Rickelton was composed and selective, curbing his natural game and hitting only the balls in his area. Mulder provided balance at the other end and increased the tempo when the opportunity arose. Their partnership made it difficult for Australia to break through. The chase is also difficult because Australia must bat last. The pitch is already helping spin and could deteriorate further. Australia's batsmen will need to play a long innings. If they lose early wickets, South Africa will be on top. This series matters greatly to both teams. Australia want to keep the No. 1 ranking, while South Africa want to take it by winning this match. The first two Tests were one-sided, but this match has been the most competitive so far. South Africa's long second innings has tired Australia's bowlers. Australia's bowlers have worked hard for two days, while South Africa's bowlers are fresh. That difference could be important in the fourth innings. South Africa's seamers will look for early bounce and pace, while their spinners will try to exploit the turn. Saturday will be decisive. If Australia's top order makes a good start, the contest could be thrilling. But South Africa have experience and the pitch in their favour. For both teams, this is about more than one Test: it is about ranking and reputation. South Africa ended their innings before the close, so Australia will start fresh on Saturday morning, but the pressure of the target will be on them.