CRICKET – South Africa reached the close against Australia in a perilous position at 140 for four in their second innings on the third day of the decisive third Test at Newlands yesterday, a lead of 40 runs with six wickets remaining.
Matthew Breetzke will resume on the fourth morning on 19 with batting partner Ryan Rickelton on 8 as South Africa look to post a total that will trouble Australia batting last.
The series is level at 1-1 and the winners will occupy top spot in the Test world rankings, which Australia currently hold.
How much is required remains to be seen.
This is the first time a test match has been played in October at Newlands and while it has been warm, there is not the baking heat of mid-summer to open cracks and cause the pitch to crumble.
“The further it goes into the game, I think it’s only going to get harder and harder (to bat),” Australian Josh Inglis said.
“I’m not sure of a total (to chase). You don’t want them getting too many more than maybe 200 or so. Obviously spinning a fair bit. We’ve got a new ball in 30 odd overs. So, yeah, hopefully we start well tomorrow.”
Aiden Markram was the first batter dismissed when he picked out mid-off Travis Head from the bowling of Mitchell Starc (2-29) for 1.
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