Mulder and Rickelton centuries put South Africa in command; Australia face tough chase

South Africa tightened their grip on the Newlands Test on day four as Wiaan Mulder scored 115 and Ryan Rickelton made 101, setting Australia a target that would require the second-highest successful run chase in 137 years of Test cricket at the venue. Australia took only one wicket in the first two sessions before a burst after tea, but the day still belonged to the home side and set up an intriguing contest on Saturday. South Africa resumed on the fourth morning at 140 for four and lost only Matthew Breetzke (43) across two sessions. He fell to a pull shot and was caught on the boundary, a familiar mode of dismissal for the home side in this Test. Rickelton and Mulder then added 154 for the sixth wicket, taking few risks and accumulating steadily. There was considerable turn for spinner Nathan Lyon (2-101) and variable bounce for the seamers, but South Africa stuck to their plans and made Australia wait. Mulder completed his fourth Test century and top-scored with 115, while Rickelton made 101. Rickelton said the aim was to win the small moments. He noted that South Africa were effectively 40 for four in the morning and knew Australia would come hard at them. The plan was to spend time at the crease rather than worry about scoring quickly or getting too far ahead. He added that the longer South Africa batted, the more frustrated Australia would become, especially on a deteriorating wicket. Mulder was the last man out, caught on the boundary while trying to increase the tempo, bringing the innings to a close. Australia will need more than three runs an over against a South African attack that has had more than a day and a half to rest. The series is level at 1-1 after Australia won the first Test in Durban by 214 runs and South Africa responded with an innings-and-31-run victory in Gqeberha. The winner of this match will take the number one spot in the Test world rankings, currently held by Australia.