SA vs AUS Deciding Test Day 4: Mulder And Rickelton Centuries Set Up 287-Run Lead

South Africa produced a magnificent fightback on day four to turn the series-deciding Test against Australia on its head, with Wiaan Mulder and Ryan Rickelton delivering two outstanding centuries to put the Proteas in a commanding position.

After Australia secured a 100-run first-innings lead, South Africa resumed their second innings under enormous pressure, having ended day three on 140/4.

The Proteas needed a substantial partnership to give themselves a realistic chance of setting a challenging target on a Newlands pitch that was beginning to offer increasing assistance to the spinners.

And they delivered in spectacular fashion.

The morning session was largely about survival, with Australia desperate to make early inroads. Nathan Lyon provided the spin threat, while Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins maintained the pressure with the ball.

Matthew Breetzke made a valuable contribution of 43 before falling to Cummins, with Starc taking the catch. Rickelton, however, displayed tremendous patience and determination, while Mulder gradually settled into his innings at the other end.

Together, the pair began to wrestle control away from Australia.

Rickelton was particularly impressive, combining solid defence with well-timed attacking strokes. He brought up a magnificent century off 218 deliveries, which included 12 boundaries.

However, his outstanding innings came to a frustrating end when a mix-up with Mulder resulted in a run-out for 101. It was a costly dismissal for South Africa, but Rickelton had already made an enormous contribution to the Proteas’ fightback.

Mulder, meanwhile, continued to frustrate the Australian attack. He batted with maturity, composure and excellent shot selection, bringing up his half-century before gradually increasing the tempo as the innings progressed.

With wickets falling around him, Mulder took responsibility for the innings and produced one of the finest performances of his Test career.

He reached his fourth Test century off 204 deliveries and continued to punish the Australian bowlers, eventually finishing the day unbeaten on 115, including four sixes in a superb display of batting.

There was late drama as Australia claimed a flurry of wickets, including those of Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer and Gerald Coetzee. However, Mulder remained composed and ensured that South Africa continued to build their lead.

The Proteas have now given themselves a genuine opportunity to win the series-deciding Test.

A lead of 287 runs represents a formidable target, particularly with a wearing Newlands surface expected to offer even more assistance to the spinners as the match progresses.

Australia will need a significant contribution from their top order, with Travis Head potentially playing a crucial role in the chase. South Africa, meanwhile, will look to their bowling attack, particularly Simon Harmer and Kagiso Rabada, to finish the job.

Australia had dominated much of the contest after securing their 100-run first-innings advantage, but South Africa showed tremendous character and resilience on day four.

Rickelton’s century and Mulder’s unbeaten 115 have completely transformed the match, leaving the Proteas firmly in control heading into the final day.

The series decider is now beautifully poised, with South Africa just one strong bowling performance away from securing a memorable victory in front of their home supporters at Newlands.