Rickelton, Mulder frustrate Australia

South Africa build a commanding lead in decisive Test

CAPE TOWN:

Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder shared an unbeaten century partnership to put South Africa in a commanding position against Australia on the fourth day of the decisive third Test at Newlands on Friday.

South Africa reached 294-5 at tea, stretching their overall lead to 194 runs at tea as they seek to set Australia a challenging target in the series decider.

Left-hander Rickelton was unbeaten on 83, while Mulder had scored 46 not out after the pair combined for an unbroken 113-run stand for the sixth wicket.

The duo negotiated the afternoon session without losing a wicket, frustrating Australia's bowlers as they adopted a measured approach against a combination of spin and seam.

South Africa, who resumed the day on 140-4, lost Matthew Breetzke for 43 when he pulled Pat Cummins into the hands of Mitchell Starc.

It was the Australian captain's first wicket of the match, but the visitors struggled to make further inroads as Rickelton and Mulder took control.

Australia would have hoped to capitalise on the new ball, but the home batters remained disciplined, prioritising survival and steady accumulation over aggressive strokeplay.

Their partnership has put South Africa in a strong position to dictate the final stages of the contest, with the pitch beginning to show signs of wear.

Australian batsman Josh Inglis had warned on Thursday that chasing a target in excess of 200 on the deteriorating surface would be difficult.

South Africa made 329 in their first innings before Australia responded with 429, securing a 100-run advantage.

The home side have since turned the match around through a determined second-innings effort, with Rickelton and Mulder providing the resistance needed to build a substantial lead.

The three-match series is level at 1-1, setting up a high-stakes finish in Cape Town.

Australia won the opening Test in Durban by 214 runs, before South Africa bounced back emphatically in Gqeberha with an innings-and-31-run victory.

Beyond the series, the result carries significant importance for the world Test rankings, with the winner set to claim the number one position currently held by Australia.

South Africa will look to extend their advantage when play resumes, while Australia need quick wickets to prevent the hosts from setting an imposing fourth-innings target.