South Africa set Australia 288 to win decisive third Test

South Africa were bowled out for 387 on the fourth day of the third Test against Australia at Newlands in Cape Town, setting the visitors a target of 288 to win on the final day. Ryan Rickelton scored 101 and Wiaan Mulder 115, his fourth Test century.

South Africa resumed the day on 140 for 4, trailing by 100 runs on the first innings. Matthew Breetzke, who made 43, helped Rickelton absorb the early pressure. Only one wicket fell in the first five hours of the day, according to Gulf News.

Breetzke fell to a pull shot off Pat Cummins and was caught on the boundary by Mitchell Starc. Cummins finished with 2-71. Rickelton and Mulder then added 154 for the sixth wicket.

Gulf News reported that Rickelton was run out shortly before the afternoon drinks break. Four wickets then fell for 16 runs. Kagiso Rabada stayed with Mulder, who reached his century during a last-wicket stand of 36.

Mulder was caught on the boundary by Starc off Cummins to end the innings, in the last over of the day. Nathan Lyon took 2-101 and found considerable turn, according to Sky Sports.

If Australia reach the target, it would be the second-highest successful run chase in the 137 years of Test cricket, Sky Sports reported. The series is level at 1-1: Australia won the first Test by 214 runs in Durban, and South Africa won the second by an innings and 31 runs in Gqeberha.

The winner of the match will take the No 1 spot in the Test rankings, which Australia currently hold. Australian bowling coach James Franklin said the pitch had not deteriorated markedly, especially for fast bowlers, though there was some turn for spinners. He said: "It's set up for a great last day of the series."

Rickelton said: "For them (Australia) to bat out three sessions will be a big ask but we will also have our work cut out." He also said: "It's been a special series. It's ebbed and flowed across all three games."