WTC Standings: Australia slip after series defeat; where are India?
Australia slipped to third place in the World Test Championship standings after losing their Test series 2-1 to South Africa. The defeat also cost them the No.1 spot in the ICC Test rankings, with South Africa taking over. New Zealand lead the WTC table, while India sit fourth. Australia next face New Zealand at home in December.
Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder's centuries propelled South Africa into a strong position against Australia in the third and final Test at Newlands. The duo's sixth-wicket stand of 154 runs set up an intriguing final day as South Africa sits 287 runs ahead. Australia requires 288 to win the series, which is currently tied at 1-1.
Rickelton (101) and Mulder (115) shared a crucial 54-over partnership, frustrating Australia's bowlers and forcing them to rely on eight different bowlers. Matthew Breetzke fell in the morning, and Australia's captain Pat Cummins broke the stand during lunch. Despite a brief dip in scoring, the South African pair continued their impressive run, with Mulder ultimately reaching his fourth Test hundred of 10 fours and four sixes.
South Africa's lower order struggled, leading to a collapse that saw them lose four wickets for only 16 runs. Mitchell Starc was Australia's standout bowler, taking 3/65 and bringing their match tally to nine wickets. The final day presents a tough chase for Australia, with Newlands having only seen a successful fourth-innings target of 331 once before, in 2002.
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- Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder hundreds put South Africa in driver's seat, set 288-run target for Australia in series decider sports.yahoo.com
- Australia hammered by Harmer in Cape Town as South Africa take series 2-1 timesofindia.indiatimes.com
- Careless dismissals give Australia route to series win in South Africa bbc.co.uk
- Harvey, McSweeney give South Australia chance of huge turnaround cricinfo.com