Sports News

Cape Town decider: South Africa set Australia 288 after Rickelton and Mulder centuries

South Africa were bowled out for 387 on day four of the deciding third Test against Australia in Cape Town, setting the tourists 288 to win the match and the series. Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder both scored centuries, Sky Sports reports.

The day before, it had looked very different. ABC News (Australia) reported that a late Nathan Lyon wicket, Temba Bavuma, left South Africa four down with a lead of just 40 and put Australia in control. ABC described the fourth day as a thrilling comeback by the hosts. Its quick hits column said Rickelton was left fuming when a mix-up ended his long partnership with Mulder, his former schoolmate, and that Matthew Breetzke then kept the fight going.

BBC Sport looked at what history suggests could happen on a final day like this. ABC's preview of the last day said Australia now need batting heroes to stand up. The Guardian covered the day ball by ball on its live blog.

How each outlet framed it

• Sky Sports — the two centuries and the target.
• ABC News (Australia) — the Australian view: a match slipping away, and a call for batters to step up.
• BBC Sport — the history of big final-day chases.
• The Guardian — a live account of the full day.

What we don't know yet: whether Australia can chase 288 on a fifth-day pitch. BBC Sport calls it a classic finale and ABC an epic one.