Rickelton and Mulder Tons Leave Australia Chasing 288

Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder both scored centuries as South Africa were bowled out for 387 on the fourth day of the third and deciding Test against Australia. The two batters did the heavy lifting, and their hundreds gave the tourists a total that Australia now have to chase.

South Africa's innings closed with Australia set 288 to win, which leaves the final day wide open. A target of that size is well within reach on a good pitch with a settled batting order, but it is also the kind of chase that can unravel quickly if the top order falters early.

The match is the decider of the series, so the result will settle more than just the scorecard. Whichever side takes the final wicket or the winning runs will leave the series with a clear result, and both captains will have to balance the risk of pushing for victory against the cost of a defeat.

Day five starts with the attention firmly on the Australian openers and on how their middle order responds to the pressure of a fourth-innings chase.