Cape Town Test: Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder centuries leave Australia under pressure

In the third Test of the series between South Africa and Australia, played at Newlands in Cape Town, Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder put on a formidable partnership. The duo posted centuries, with Rickelton scoring 101 and Mulder adding 115, before South Africa were dismissed for 387 runs in the final over of the fourth day. This set the stage for Australia to chase down a target of 288 runs on the final day.

Both players, who attended elite St Stithians College, have a history of playing together, which gave them an edge during their match. South Africa started the day at 140 for four, but faced a daunting challenge due to the 100-run deficit. However, Rickelton and Mulder's sixth-wicket stand of 154 wickets helped steady the innings.

Rickelton highlighted the importance of patience and not getting ahead of themselves, stating that the longer they batted, the more frustrated the Australians would become. Despite one wicket falling in the initial five hours of play, Rickelton's early dismissal sparked a collapse, with four more wickets falling for just 16 runs.

The partnership between Rickelton and Mulder in the final hours proved crucial, as it brought South Africa closer to victory. Australian bowling coach James Franklin was optimistic about the last day of the series, noting that the pitch conditions were favorable for both pace and spin bowlers.