Rickelton and Mulder centuries set Australia 288 to win

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 18:56 · Archive

South Africa scored 387 to set Australia a target of 288 runs to win the decisive third Test at Cape Town.

Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder both scored centuries as South Africa were bowled out for 387 on the fourth day of the third Test at Cape Town, setting Australia a target of 288 runs to win the match on the final day.

Mulder top-scored with 115, his fourth Test century, while Rickelton made 101. The pair's batting performance reversed the match situation after South Africa were effectively 40 for four in their second innings. Australia took only a single wicket in the opening two sessions before a burst after tea, but South Africa's batting ensured the touring side would need a significant run chase.

Rickelton said: '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. It was about spending time at the crease rather than worrying about scoring runs or getting too far ahead of ourselves.' He added that Australia's bowlers would become frustrated the longer South Africa batted. Australia batter Josh Inglis said on Thursday that a chase of over 200 would be difficult batting last; they will now need to score considerably more than that at over three runs an over.

How it is being reported

• Rickelton, Mulder hit tons as South Africa set Australia 288 to win deciderRyan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder struck centuries as South Africa were bowled out for 387 to close day four of the decisive third Test against Australia, setting the touring side a victory target of 288 on the final day.Sky Sports · 30 Oct, 17:40
• Australia set 288 to win after South African centurions turn the tideRyan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder hit hundreds for hosts Australia face last-day chase to clinch Test and the series It would be unfair to say that Australia let a winning position slip on the fourth day of the third Test at Cape Town, only because that would undersell how Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder prised it away. Australia’s vaunted four bowlers, owners of 1,674 wickets at day’s beginning, could only raise that to 1678 by day’s end. In the process, a lead of 40 became 287. South Africa had been 40 for 4 in the first innings at Gqeberha and bounced back to win; they were effectively 40…Guardian Sport · 30 Oct, 16:40

In this story: Ryan Rickelton · Wiaan Mulder · South Africa · Australia · Cape Town · Josh Inglis

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