Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder struck centuries to revive South Africa’s hopes in the third and final Test against Australia in Cape Town, producing a record-breaking partnership that set up a tense final day.
Rickelton scored 101, while Mulder made 115, as the pair added 154 runs for the sixth wicket. Their efforts helped South Africa reach 387 in its second innings and set Australia a target of 288 runs for victory.
South Africa had been under pressure and appeared to be heading towards defeat on the fourth day before the two batters mounted a determined recovery. Rickelton and Mulder, childhood friends who attended St Stithians College in Johannesburg, combined to keep the hosts in contention in the series decider. Their partnership shifted the momentum and gave South Africa a chance to fight for victory in the final day’s play.
The centuries also brought a significant milestone in Test cricket. Rickelton and Mulder became the first pair batting at No. 6 and No. 7, or lower, to score centuries in the second innings of a Test against Australia. Overall, it was only the fourth occasion on which batters in those positions had scored hundreds in the same team’s second innings, ending a drought that had lasted since 1989.
The previous instance came in Hobart in 1989, when Australia’s Dean Jones and Steve Waugh scored centuries against Sri Lanka. The feat was first recorded in 1937, when Australian batters Jack Fingleton and Don Bradman both made hundreds against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Rickelton and Mulder’s achievement therefore placed their performances alongside some notable partnerships in Test history.
Rickelton reached his century with 12 boundaries before being run out by Josh Inglis in the 120th over. His dismissal gave Australia an opportunity to finish the innings quickly, but Mulder continued to attack and maintained South Africa’s progress. He struck 10 fours and four sixes during his 115-run innings, providing the hosts with valuable runs as the lower order tried to extend the target.
Kagiso Rabada supported Mulder from the other end and helped him reach his century before Australia’s captain Pat Cummins dismissed Mulder as the final wicket. South Africa were bowled out for 387 in 134.4 overs, leaving Australia needing 288 runs to win the series-deciding Test.