A remarkable series reaches its conclusion at Newlands, where a fifth day will decide the winner for the third time in as many matches. This occurrence is rare in South Africa, having happened only once this century. Furthermore, it has been nearly 32 years since a three-match series has concluded without a single draw, a trend that is unlikely to continue as the hosts and Australia battle for supremacy on Saturday. Something remarkable this way comes. And not for almost 32 years have none of the three Tests been drawn. Which has produced, organically, better marketing than the creaking old format could hope to buy in a world drowning in T20, is likely to buck both aspects of that trend on Saturday, the deciding match of South Africa’s enthralling rubber against Australia. Even T20 natives who struggle to understand why a match should need four innings and five days to reach a conclusion should find that equation irresistible. It feels like an age since we reached stumps on Thursday with South Africa 40 ahead but denuded of their top four. What was it about Newlands that seemed to bring the best out in this Joburg boykie. And I enjoy being here; not just the ground but the essence of Cape Town.”.
Australia requires 288 runs to win, while South Africa needs to secure 10 wickets. This is Test cricket as it is meant to be played. Anyway, often enough to care about the stuff. There have been some mistakes made and some really good things done.
With at least 90 overs remaining, the match presents a compelling scenario that highlights the enduring appeal of the traditional format. Ryan Rickelton, reflecting on the series at a press conference, admitted he was surprised the contest remained so tight. He noted that both teams have consistently traded momentum, resulting in an enthralling series where every game has ebbed and flowed. Ninety overs, at the minimum, are left in this rivetting contest. We know what happens next in that scenario.
The current state of play follows a significant effort by Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder on Friday. The pair, who share a long history as former schoolmates and current teammates, combined for a 154-run partnership that anchored South Africa’s second innings. Their collaboration lasted from the ninth over before lunch until well after tea, providing the team with a substantial lead. Then Rickelton ran and Mulder didn’t. The pair have shared many a dressing room as former St Stithians College pupils and current Lions teammates. Rickelton and Mulder had kept the tension taut.
The partnership ended in unfortunate fashion when Rickelton was run out. Despite the mix-up, Rickelton joked that he was annoyed by the dismissal, though the duo’s mutual understanding of each other’s games was evident throughout their time at the crease. Rickelton’s 101, which spanned 219 deliveries and over five hours, marked a disciplined return to form for the batter, who had previously gone 13 innings without a century. Pulling defensively with soft hands to send the ball safely to earth, he demurred each time.
Rickelton praised the Newlands pitch and expressed his fondness for Cape Town. His patience was tested by Pat Cummins, who repeatedly targeted him with shorter deliveries and a close-in fielder, yet Rickelton resisted the temptation to force his shots, opting for defensive play. His performance was crucial in keeping South Africa on track before the team experienced a sudden collapse. Several of them tempting slower bouncers bowled by Pat Cummins with a deepish short leg in place, rickelton was in the 90s for 37 balls.
Following Rickelton’s departure at 225 runs ahead, South Africa lost Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, and Gerald Coetzee within 36 deliveries, adding only 16 more runs to the total. The innings eventually concluded at 387, setting a stiff challenge for Australia. The highest successful run chases at this venue include 334/6 by Australia in 2002 and 236/2 by South Africa in 2011. When they were 225 ahead, Rickelton got out, south Africa had looked like making Australia chase significantly more than 300 before.
Wiaan Mulder eventually reached his own century by driving Nathan Lyon through the covers, a moment he celebrated with great emotion. It was a poignant achievement, as his father, Pieter Mulder, passed away in April. Having struggled against short-pitched bowling earlier in the series, Mulder showed significant tactical growth by ducking and managing those deliveries with ease before playing an aggressive role later in his innings.
Mulder’s knock ended at 115 off the final ball of the day, as he was caught while attempting a six off Cummins. Rickelton later remarked on Mulder’s natural talent, noting that keeping the partnership stable and staying present had been the priority for both men. As the teams prepare for the final day, the series remains intensely competitive, with both sides well-positioned to claim victory in what has been described as a special and hard-fought rubber.
