Australia's assistant coach, James Franklin, believes the visitors have a genuine chance of finishing the Newlands Test with a victory after fighting back late on day four. The tourists will need 288 runs to win after South Africa was bowled out for 387, leaving the hosts needing 10 wickets to claim victory. A draw remains possible, but Franklin thinks Australia's ability to stay patient and strike late has put them in a strong position heading into the final day.
The visitors endured an attritional first two sessions as Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder built a 154-run partnership that appeared to be taking the game away from Australia. Franklin said the tourists had deliberately accepted that the scoreboard would move during those quieter periods, with the bowlers instead focused on controlling the rate and building pressure. This tactic allowed Australia to stay in the game and create opportunities to take wickets.
Chaos ensued in the final hour of day four, with Rickelton being run out for 101 at 335/6, followed by two more wickets in quick succession, reducing South Africa to 344/8. Franklin credited Australia's patience and tactical adaptability for the late strikes, which ensured the visitors were not chasing a significantly larger total. The Proteas were eventually dismissed for 387, setting Australia a target of 288 runs to win.
The pitch at Newlands has presented a different challenge to the Australian quicks than they initially anticipated. Franklin admitted they expected more assistance on the opening morning but adjusted their plans after finding the surface slower and more placid than expected. The Australian bowlers reassessed and came back strongly, with Mitchell Starc picking up three wickets to help dismiss South Africa.
The pitch is expected to soften and deteriorate on day five, with spinner Nathan Lyon likely to play a pivotal role. Franklin believes Australia will need to remain adaptable as the surface changes, particularly with the ball expected to become softer and the bounce potentially becoming less consistent. The visitors have shown throughout the series that they can adjust their tactics according to the conditions.
Franklin praised Australia's bowlers for their ability to control the rate and build pressure during the docile periods of play. He said both teams had employed the tactic of expanding their fields and trying to control the run rate during quieter periods. This approach allowed Australia to stay in the game and create opportunities to take wickets.
The final day's play promises to be thrilling, with three results still possible. Franklin is optimistic about Australia's chances, saying it's setting up for a great last day in this Test series. The visitors will need to bat strongly to achieve their target, but Franklin believes they have the ability to do so.
Key points
- Australia needs 288 runs to win on day five.
- The pitch is expected to soften and deteriorate on day five.
- Franklin credits Australia's patience and tactical adaptability for their strong position.
