The fifth and final day of the Test series between South Africa and Australia has begun, with the Proteas requiring 10 wickets and the visitors needing 288 runs to win. The series has been a riveting contest, with this final match already being hailed as one for the ages. The Newlands pitch, prepared by groundsman Braam Mong, has been praised for allowing the skills of both teams to shine.
Ryan Rickelton, who batted for over five hours on Friday, has a good understanding of the conditions. He noted that the pitch has been quite slow and that if Australia decides to aggressively pursue their target, it will be a big ask, especially on a deteriorating pitch. The signs of wear and tear on the pitch and the assistance it offers to spinners, particularly from the footmarks created by the quicks, make for an intriguing final day.
Rickelton also highlighted the challenge that South Africa's Simon Harmer will face in dealing with Australia's left-handed batsmen, four of whom are in their top seven. He found batting against off-spinner Nathan Lyon relatively easier as a left-handed batsman. However, Harmer will have to devise a strategy to counter Lyon's spin and the threat he poses to the Proteas.
The 10th wicket partnership between Wiaan Mulder and Kagiso Rabada, which added 36 runs, significantly boosted Australia's target to 288. Rickelton, who was the first of four wickets to fall for just 16 runs in 36 balls, emphasized the importance of this partnership. He believes that psychologically, those final runs could take a lot out of Australia's batting lineup.
Rickelton expressed frustration at the two run-outs that occurred during the innings, which prevented South Africa from setting a more imposing target of 300 or 350. Nevertheless, he is optimistic that the target of 288 will be enough to edge them to victory, particularly on a day-five pitch that is expected to deteriorate further.
The series has been hailed as special by Rickelton, and the final day's play promises to be an exciting conclusion. The draw is considered the least likely outcome, with all other results still possible. The Newlands groundsman, Braam Mong, deserves praise for preparing a surface that has showcased the skills of both teams.
As the teams prepare for the final day's play, the tension is palpable. South Africa will look to Harmer and the rest of their bowling lineup to make inroads into Australia's batting, while the visitors will aim to overcome the psychological pressure of chasing 288 on a challenging pitch.
Key points
- South Africa needs 10 wickets to win, while Australia requires 288 runs.
- The Newlands pitch has been praised for allowing the skills of both teams to shine.
- The final day's play promises to be an exciting conclusion to the series.
