Category: Australia Cricket

Australia head into the final day of their gripping three-Test series in South Africa with everything to play for.

After guiding the Proteas to a strong position to win a riveting series with a stunning century on Friday in Cape Town, Ryan Rickelton believes only two results are on the table, with Australia facing a massive task to win the finale.

• Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder hit hundreds for hosts

• Australia face last-day chase to clinch Test and the series

It would be unfair to say that Australia let a winning position slip on the fourth day of the third Test at Cape Town, only because that would undersell how Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder prised it away. Australia’s vaunted four bowlers, owners of 1,674 wickets at day’s beginning, could only raise that to 1678 by day’s end. In the process, a lead of 40 became 287. South Africa had been 40 for 4 in the first innings at Gqeberha and bounced back to win; they were effectively 40 for 4 in the third innings here, and now have a great chance to do the same.

The unlikely basis was Rickelton, a franchise circuiteer who spends most of his year smiting runs or keeping wicket in 20-over blocks. In this series he was monstered in Durban by Josh Hazlewood, out for 0 and 2 while pinch-hitting as an opener, then made scant impression down the order with 31 in Gqeherha. He looked like a modern cricketer become anachronism in this ancient form.

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The son of a former international has kept the flame flickering for South Australia in a monstrous run chase against Western Australia in Adelaide.

An absorbing series took another turn on the fourth day in Cape Town, with twin centuries from Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder steering South Africa into a position of first control, and then strength.

Former Australian opener David Warner has urged ex-teammate Steve Smith to make a shock late-career change beginning with the summer’s Tests against New Zealand.

It was the puff of dust that signalled Australia had the upper-hand in the series deciding Test against South Africa in Cape Town but a moment that also inspired confidence in one Protea that they can produce heroics for their nation at Newlands.

• South Africa lead Australia by 40 runs with six wickets remaining

• Ackerman out for 62 as Bavuma dismissed on 35 in Cape Town

South Africa reached the close against Australia in a perilous position at 140 for four in ⁠their second innings on the third day of the decisive third Test at Newlands, a lead of 40 runs with six wickets remaining.

Matthew Breetzke will resume on ⁠the fourth morning on ⁠19 with batting partner ​Ryan Rickelton on eight as South Africa look to post a total that will trouble Australia batting last.

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The deciding third Test between Australia and South Africa in Cape Town is set for a “photo finish” after a dramatic twist late on day three.

Western Australia and South Australia have played out the most action-packed day of the Sheffield Shield season so far, with 18 wickets falling across three innings in chaotic scenes at the Adelaide Oval.

Creating a masterpiece from a potential crisis, Josh Inglis has given Australia some assuredness that there will be life after Steve Smith in coming years when making a superb century in Cape Town on Thursday morning.

A brilliant all-round display from Georgia Voll has powered the Sydney Thunder to an impressive six-wicket win over the Renegades to open the new WBBL season.

Nathan Lyon knocked over South African captain Temba Bavuma with five minutes left in day three in a remarkable twist to put Australia on top in the deciding third Test in Cape Town.

The WBBL is back for the twelfth season of the marquee tournament, with the Hobart Hurricanes looking to defend their maiden title.

Matt Renshaw declared after Australia’s strongest batting performance on this South African tour that he is neither a doctor nor a curator. But he confirmed his status as Australia’s incumbent opener and clearly remains a very loyal mate.