South Africa's fightback in the third Test against Australia was built on patience and a disciplined batting effort, according to Ryan Rickelton. The team's sixth-wicket partnership of 154 runs between Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder transformed the match, leaving Australia needing 288 runs to secure victory on day five at Newlands. Rickelton and Mulder shared a resolute partnership that helped South Africa recover from 40/4.
Rickelton and Mulder deliberately structured their innings to absorb Australia's pressure before gradually turning the momentum in South Africa's favour. The pair combined for a crucial partnership that took South Africa from 181/5 to a position of strength. Rickelton finished with 101 off 219 balls, while Mulder scored 115 off 221 balls. Their contributions were built around a shared willingness to absorb pressure rather than chase quick runs.
The partnership between Rickelton and Mulder was key to South Africa's recovery, with the pair focusing on winning small moments and trusting that the runs would eventually come if they could stay at the crease. Rickelton revealed that their approach was to focus on the small moments and stick to their plan, rather than scoring runs or getting too far ahead of themselves. This approach allowed them to build a strong partnership and put pressure back on Australia.
The partnership was not without its challenges, with Rickelton and Mulder having to keep each other disciplined when the temptation was to attack. Rickelton said that he and Mulder were responsible for keeping each other in check, knowing that the longer they batted, the more frustrated Australia would become. The pair found a good defence and were willing to absorb pressure for a long period, creating opportunities to score.
Rickelton and Mulder's patience eventually created opportunities to score, with Rickelton reaching his century from 218 balls and Mulder bringing up his own hundred from 204. However, Rickelton was run out for 101, triggering a mini-collapse that saw Marco Jansen fall without scoring and Simon Harmer for one. Despite this, South Africa was able to post 387 in their second innings.
Rickelton admitted that his dismissal was frustrating, particularly because South Africa had been in a good position to push beyond 300 and potentially 350 with more wickets in hand. However, he was pleased that the team was able to post a competitive total and ask Australia to chase 288 on day five. Rickelton believes that the last 20-30 runs compiled by South Africa will be crucial in determining the outcome of the match.
The result of the match is now in the balance, with Australia needing 288 runs to win on day five at Newlands. The hosts will be hoping that the pressure will tell on Australia, allowing them to secure a victory. The match has set up an exciting finish, with South Africa's disciplined batting effort giving them a chance to take control of the match.
Key points
- Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder shared a 154-run partnership to help South Africa post 387 in their second innings.
- Australia needs 288 runs to win the third Test on day five at Newlands.
- Rickelton and Mulder's patience and disciplined batting effort were key to South Africa's recovery.
