Proteas defeat Australia in Newlands to become Test cricket champions

The outcome of the confrontation between South Africa and Australia boils down to a simple condition: South Africa must take 10 wickets, and Australia needs 288 runs to win. A victory in this match will secure the team a series win and the ICC Test No. 1 ranking.

Before the final day of the tense series in Newlands, Proteas spinner Ryan Rickelton noted that the situation was extremely clear: 'It's either a win or a loss. There will be no draw tomorrow (Saturday).'

Rickelton shared his impressions of the series, calling it special. He emphasized that the series was dynamic, with constant shifts in leadership between both teams, and noted that it was an 'amazing' tournament.

Unlike Australia's previous visit to South Africa eight years ago, this series focused exclusively on cricket, avoiding drama and disputes, which in itself created many plot twists.

Day four of the match was filled with dramatic moments. Thanks to the partnership of Ryan Rickelton and Vian Mulder, which brought up 156 runs for the sixth wicket, the home team managed to regain momentum. However, Australia interrupted this rise by dismissing Rickelton shortly after the left-arm bowler reached his third century in tests, leading to a collapse of Proteas by four wickets in just 16 overs.

Nevertheless, the game did not end. South Africa continued the fight, and Mulder, along with the last batsman Kagiso Rabada, added another 36 runs for the tenth wicket. Rickelton called this partnership 'very big' and 'massive.'

He admitted some disappointment that the dismissal of Rickelton deprived the team of the opportunity to approach the 300 or 350-run mark. Nevertheless, he believes that the possibility of reaching an effective 290 runs and forcing the opponents to do so on the fifth day is significant psychological pressure. He hopes that the last 20 or 30 runs scored will be enough for a breakthrough.

Responding to the question of how Proteas can take 10 wickets on a surface he describes as 'flat' and 'good for play,' Rickelton suggested that the new ball would provide opportunities for both scoring runs and taking wickets. He also noted that the pace of the game has slowed down, and if Australia decides to attack, it could work against them, as playing on a slow, low, and deteriorating surface presents a serious challenge.

Rickelton added that for right-handers, the ball behaves aggressively when swinging back. Since Australia has four left-handed batsmen, the South African team plans to put pressure on them, whether by waiting or actively attacking, depending on the opposition's playing style.

According to Proteas centre Ryan Rickelton, there is no middle ground in the upcoming concluding day of the intense series in Newlands: 'It is either a win or a loss. There will be no draw tomorrow (Saturday).'.

Rickelton noted that he would not believe it if he were told that the series would go to the fifth day of the third Test, with the possibility of three or even two results. He characterized the series as special, noting that it was dynamic, with constant overtaking and the return of initiative by both teams, despite errors and successes.

The series has been recognized as one of the greatest because, unlike events eight years ago, it lacked drama and disputes, focusing exclusively on the game in the center of the field.

The fourth day of the match was full of events. Thanks to the partnership of Ryan Rickelton and Vian Mulder, which brought 156 runs for the sixth position, the home team almost recovered its strength. However, Australia interrupted this rise by dismissing Rickelton shortly after the left-hander reached his third century in tests, which triggered a collapse for Proteas, losing four wickets for only 16 runs.

Nevertheless, the game did not end. South Africa had another episode when Mulder, approaching his personal record, along with the last player Kagiso Rabada, added valuable 36 runs for the tenth position.

Rickelton called this partnership 'very big' and 'massive', adding that it was disappointing because they were in a good position to reach 300 or 350 runs, but the result forced them out of that chance. Nevertheless, he believes that the possibility of scoring around 290 runs and forcing the opponents to do so on the fifth day is psychologically very difficult, and he hopes that the last 20 or 30 runs will be enough for victory.

When asked how he sees Proteas taking all 10 wickets, given that the pitch remains 'flat' and 'good for the batter', he replied that with the new ball there are opportunities for scoring runs as well as taking wickets.

He suggested that the slow pace of the game could play a role, and that Australia's attempt to score around three runs per over throughout the day would be a serious test, especially on the slowing and deteriorating surface. Rickelton also noted that the ball is 'fierce' for right-handed batters when turning, and since Australia has four left-handers, the Proteas team plans to put pressure on them, whether by waiting or attacking according to the individual style of the players.

After two intense matches in which both teams suffered serious blows, South Africa and Australia head to Newlands for the final game of the heavy test cycle, which is tied at 1:1.

Australia delivered the first blow in Durban, followed by Themba Bavuma knocking Proteas off their feet with a powerful counter-attacking shot in Gqeberha.

Although the World Cup is not being played in Cape Town, the stakes remain high. A victory would allow South Africa to achieve a second consecutive home series win against their arch-rival and displace Australia from the world number one ranking.

For the Proteas team, which has repeatedly had to defend its status as Test Champions, this prospect is extremely attractive. Even after dethroning Australia in last year's Test World Cup final at Lord's, skeptics continued to label them 'paper champions.'

Nevertheless, fast bowler Ryan Rickelton is not planning to be distracted from the current task. He noted that after winning the World Cup, Bavuma spoke with the team, emphasizing that the goal is to leave a more long-term impression and confirm it by playing against the best teams in the world.

Rickelton added that Australia has long been the best and most powerful team in the world. He believes that even beating them on home soil is a huge achievement. However, speaking about the bigger picture, he mentioned the upcoming summer home tournament, which, if successful, could lead the team to the World Cup final in London in June.

He concluded that while both teams are in a very equal state, acknowledging that Australia holds a significant advantage in world cricket due to recent and past history. Currently, the team is simply fighting for the next day, hoping to have a good week.

The current 1:1 scoreline is reminiscent of the 2018 series, when the teams arrived in Cape Town after battles in Durban and Gqeberha. Rickelton, who did not participate in that confrontation, understands the importance of this familiar situation.

He stated that they are now in a similar 1:1 position before the final match of the series in Cape Town against a strong team, which adds confidence and significance. The team is set for a good performance, and success this week will give a significant boost to the team, coaching staff, and their methods. They are focused on achieving the current objective and maintaining stability in their approach to the games.

The third and final match is scheduled for Tuesday.