The gains made by Australia during their blockbuster three-Test tour of South Africa all but vanished in two hours of torment on the final morning in Cape Town.
South Africa beat Australia by 176 runs to win series: third Test, day five – as it happened
Australia’s batters crumbled as Simon Harmer took six for 16 to seal a series victory for South Africa at Newlands
3rd over: Australia 14-2 (Head 9, Green 1) Brave of Green to leave the ball outside off. Similar spot to the one that got Marnus, a touch fuller perhaps. He gets moving from the fifth ball, knocks a single into the off side.
2nd over: Australia 13-2 (Head 9, Green 0) Well, I said that Australia needed Head to take a bite out of the chase first, but wasn’t anticipating that he would lose two partners in the first over. He decides to do his part anyway. Defends three balls from Jansen, then lets loose as he sees width. Misses his first flail, connects cleanly with his second one along the ground, and connects dirty with his third, in the air through the cordon but safe. Two boundaries, but if I were South Africa, I’d happily feed that shot a few times looking for the mistake.
Continue reading...‘Can’t believe it’: WBBL star’s redemption after stunning ‘hanger’
In a game that won’t be remembered for the fielding, Sophie Ecclestone has taken an early contender for the WBBL’s catch of the season.
Exiled opener’s grim Shield return; Test hopeful’s major statement – Wrap
Nic Maddinson’s Sheffield Shield return after being discarded from the Test squad didn’t go to plan as NSW collapsed on the second day against Tasmania.
‘Really good side’: Shock Cummins call as ‘disgraceful’ collapse ends Aussies’ No.1 reign
Australia have been humiliated in Cape Town. Again.
Aussie who could seal Marnus’ fate; ‘really awkward’ situation to avoid: Expert verdict
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Proof Aussies can have last laugh; selection call backfires as Lyon faces awkward truth — Day Four Talking Points
TONIGHT ONLY, KAYO SPORTS IS GIVING YOU ACCESS TO THE FIRST SESSION OF THE DECIDER’S FINAL DAY IN SOUTH AFRICA FOR FREE.
‘Quite p***ed off’: SA star laughs off end to ‘special day’ as twin ton heroics sets monster Aussie task
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.
Australia set 288 to win after South African centurions turn the tide
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.
Continue reading...Son of a gun has champs daring to dream; new Shield trend continues in Tassie surge – Wrap
The son of a former international has kept the flame flickering for South Australia in a monstrous run chase against Western Australia in Adelaide.
Huge Aussie task ahead after ‘mammoth’ twin tons set up grandstand Test finale
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.
‘It’s time…’: Sacrifice Smith must make; great’s shock next in line — Verdict on summer’s Aussie XI
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.
South African villain’s two-word warning starts mind games as Aussies close in on epic win
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.
Australia gain edge in Test decider after late Bavuma blow hurts South Africa
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.
Continue reading...Aussie strikes big Marnus blow; Starc’s wild 15-year first as grim Cummins truth emerges — Day Three Talking Points
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.