Mulder-Rickelton Stand Leaves Australia Facing Mountainous Newlands Chase

South Africa made Australia toil on the fourth day of the Newlands Test, batting with patience and conviction to keep the hosts firmly on top and set up an intriguing finish on Saturday. Resuming at 140/4, South Africa lost only Matthew Breetzke in the first two sessions. Breetzke made 43 before falling to a pull shot, caught on the boundary, a mode of dismissal that has become familiar for the home side in this Test. Australia found some momentum after tea, but the day still belonged to South Africa. Wiaan Mulder top-scored with 115, his fourth Test century, while Ryan Rickelton amassed 101. The pair added 154 for the sixth wicket, ensuring Australia will need to complete the second-highest successful run chase in the 137-year history of Test cricket at Newlands. Rickelton told reporters that the aim was to win the small moments. He said South Africa knew they were effectively 40 for four that morning and that Australia would come hard at them. For him, spending time at the crease was more important than worrying about scoring runs or getting too far ahead. The team had its plans and needed to stick to them. Rickelton added that the longer South Africa batted, the more frustrated Australia would become. Australia perhaps expected things to happen quickly because of the deteriorating wicket. South Africa took few risks and accumulated runs. There was considerable turn for spinner Nathan Lyon, who finished with 2-101, while the seamers found variable bounce. Mulder was the last man out as he tried to up the tempo, caught on the boundary to bring the day to a close. Australia will need considerably more than three runs an over against a South African bowling attack that has had its feet up for more than a day and a half. The hosts will also have the advantage of a fresh bowling unit and a pitch that is offering both turn and uneven bounce. The second-highest successful chase at Newlands in Test history is a demanding target, and Australia will have to bat with discipline while also maintaining a healthy scoring rate. The series is level at 1-1. Australia won the first Test by 214 runs in Durban, and South Africa responded with a victory by an innings and 31 runs in Gqeberha. The winner of this match will occupy the number one spot in the Test world rankings, which is currently held by Australia. That adds extra significance to the final stages of the Newlands Test. South Africa’s approach was clear: avoid unnecessary risk, respect the bowling, and keep the scoreboard moving. Rickelton and Mulder did exactly that, forcing Australia to keep changing their plans and bowling spells. The hosts’ batters showed that on a deteriorating surface, occupying the crease is the most valuable skill. Australia’s bowlers worked hard, but they could not break the partnership until late in the day. Saturday now promises to be a fascinating finish. South Africa are in a strong position, but Australia still have a chance if their batters show patience and build partnerships. The pitch is likely to assist the bowlers, and South Africa’s fresh attack will be eager to exploit it. The match, and with it the series and the top ranking, is still open enough to keep both sides interested.