By Estea Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
Photo Credit: CSA.
South Africa have given themselves a chance to win the series decider, but the final day at Newlands will demand a disciplined bowling performance and a level of control they have not always managed in this Test.
Australia need 288 to win after the Proteas recovered from 140 for four overnight to post 294 in their second innings. Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder supplied the innings that South Africa had been waiting for, both scoring centuries under pressure and turning a position of considerable danger into a competitive target.
The question now is whether the pitch has deteriorated enough to make 288 a difficult chase.
There are encouraging signs for the hosts. Nathan Lyon has extracted sharp turn from the footmarks, particularly when bowling to right handers, and the surface has begun to show more wear after four days of cricket.
Simon Harmer, who took four for 104 in Australia’s first innings, should have an important role. He has already demonstrated that he can trouble the visitors, and the conditions may now offer him more assistance than they did earlier in the match.
Harmer has been clear about the importance of spin. After the third day’s play, he said the ball was turning out of the footmarks and expected the spinners to have a major influence on the final stages.
That prediction has become increasingly relevant. Lyon’s ability to find turn has already shown Australia what is possible, and South Africa will hope Harmer can produce a similar threat.
But the Proteas cannot rely on spin alone. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen need to strike with the new ball, while maintaining the discipline that was missing at times during Australia’s first innings.
Rabada appeared in better condition on the third day after struggling with stomach cramps earlier in the match. His pace and ability to find movement could be crucial, particularly if the morning conditions offer something to the seamers.
The target is large enough to create pressure, but Australia have the batting resources to chase it. Travis Head is an obvious danger.
His attacking approach can rapidly change the equation, and South Africa will need to avoid giving him width or allowing him to dictate the tempo. Early wickets would force the visitors to rebuild rather than attack.
Pat Cummins and his side will also know that 288 is achievable if they bat with patience. The surface has not been unplayable, and South Africa’s own recovery demonstrated that runs remain available to batters willing to apply themselves.
That was the lesson of the fourth day. Rickelton and Mulder were patient, left the wide ball alone and absorbed the pressure of the second new ball.
They batted together for almost five hours without losing a wicket, taking South Africa from a vulnerable position to one from which they could seriously challenge Australia.
Rickelton’s 101 was a defining innings. He resisted the temptation to force the pace and kept Lyon from dictating terms for long periods. Mulder’s 115 was just as important. He managed the lower order and ensured the lead reached 287, even after a costly run out ended the partnership with Rickelton.
South Africa will need that same application from their bowlers. Harmer must keep attacking the rough without allowing easy scoring opportunities. The quicks need to make Australia play, rather than searching for a spectacular delivery.
Fielding will matter, too. There can be no repeat of the missed chances and lapses that allowed Inglis and Carey to build their match changing partnership in the first innings.
The Proteas have put themselves back in contention, but the work is only half done.
Rickelton was excited about the last day of the series. He stated “If you had to say that it’s going down to the third test, day five, all three results on the cards, I wouldn’t have believed it, but yeah, it’s been a special series.”
Australia have a full day to reach 288 and take the series. South Africa need to make every run hard earned, take their chances and trust the pitch to offer more as the day wears on.
If Harmer can exploit the footmarks and Rabada and Jansen provide the early breakthroughs, Newlands could yet witness a memorable home victory.