Mulder and Rickelton centuries put South Africa in control at Newlands
South Africa 329 and 387 all out; Australia 429. South Africa lead by 287 runs. Newlands, Cape Town. Third Test, Australia tour of South Africa
WIAAN Mulder and Ryan Rickelton struck centuries to put South Africa in a commanding position against Australia on the fourth day of the deciding Test at Newlands on Thursday.
Mulder made 115 off 221 balls, while Rickelton scored 101 from 219 deliveries as the hosts recovered from early setbacks to post 387 all out in their second innings, setting Australia a target of 288.
South Africa will head into the final day with a 287-run lead and a strong chance of securing the series, having kept Australia in the field for 134.4 overs.
The hosts resumed on 140 for four and lost Matthew Breetzke for 43 before Rickelton and Mulder took charge. The pair added 154 runs for the sixth wicket, frustrating Australia with a patient partnership that gradually shifted the balance of the match.
Rickelton reached his century from 218 balls, striking 12 fours, before a mix-up with Mulder resulted in his run-out for 101. His innings provided the platform for South Africa to build a substantial lead.
Mulder continued to anchor the innings, bringing up his hundred from 204 balls. He struck 10 fours and four sixes before Mitchell Starc removed him for 115, with the batter caught in the deep by Starc himself off Pat Cummins.
Australia’s bowlers had worked hard to keep the innings in check, with Starc taking three wickets and Cummins claiming two. Nathan Lyon also took two wickets, including the key dismissal of captain Temba Bavuma for 35 on Wednesday.
South Africa’s lower order offered limited resistance after Rickelton’s dismissal, with Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer and Gerald Coetzee falling in quick succession. Mulder’s departure ended the innings at 387, leaving Australia a challenging fourth-innings target.
The visitors had earlier made 429 in reply to South Africa’s first-innings 329, taking a lead of 100. Josh Inglis top-scored with 102, while Alex Carey contributed 80. Simon Harmer claimed four wickets for South Africa, with Marco Jansen taking three.
Australia now face the task of chasing 288 on the final day to win the Test and the series. South Africa, meanwhile, need 10 wickets to complete the victory, with their century-makers having given them a substantial advantage heading into the decisive day.
