Home team hold a 194-run lead at tea

The Proteas lead grew to 194 at tea on the fourth day of the deciding Test at Newlands, thanks to a fighting unbeaten 83 from Ryan Rickelton.

Ably supported by Wiaan Mulder, who ended the second session unbeaten on 46, the pair helped SA to reach 294/5 at tea, producing the kind of session that Proteas would have wished for at the start of Friday’s play.

South Africa, went wicketless through the afternoon, with DP World Lions pair sharing a 113-run partnership, that will have eased the tension in the home dressing room.

Rickelton has been impressive. After the first session in which he was extremely watchful, in the afternoon, especially against the second new ball, he drove the ball beautifully as the Australians went in search of wickets.

However, despite balls bursting through the top of the surface, and a few shots from the Australian fielders, there was little trouble for the South African pair.

For Rickelton, this has been a top innings, one he would have felt he owed the team after being dropped down the order, and taking the keeping gloves from Kyle Verreynne.

He has driven and cut well, hitting 11 fours in an innings that has lasted 167 balls.

Mulder, like Rickelton a graduate of St Stithians College has also tried to be more assertive, striking a sumptuous slog sweep for six off Nathan Lyon, just before Australia took the second new ball.

Mitchell Starc beat the outside edge a couple and a few deliveries that bounced more than anticipated had the South Africans needing to get out of the way quickly, but there was little bother otherwise.

The Proteas will want more of the same, as they seek to build this lead while hope the pitch continues to deteriorate. .