Australia Set to Bag the Test Series
The 4th day of the 3rd test match between Australia and South Africa ended for the day as South Africa wrapped up with 71-4 on board. With one more day to go, South Africa needs 440 runs more with 6 wickets in hand.
Australia, at their 2nd innings, added 303 runs in 58 overs and put a mammoth target of total 511 runs to chase for South Africa. A hesitant start from the home team, loosing 4 wickets, bagging only 71 runs on 41 over, the game ended with AB De Villiers and Kyle Abbott on the crease.
Alviro Petersen, Graeme Smith and Dean Elgar could not add much on the card as they were out in quick succession. The first fall came with Alviro Petersen in the 12th over when Ryan Harris put a fantastic delivery, beating his inside edge in a clear lbw. This also marks the 100th wicket for Harris.
Graeme Smith walks in for the last time of his career but could not add much as he was out in 3 runs, facing only 2 deliveries by Mitchell Johnson. The ball gets an inside edge into the body, leaving Smith no chance but to somehow tackle the ball which ended up with a simple catch in short leg position caught by Alex Doolan. Smith received a warm standing ovation from the stadium and Australian team as he walks out of the stage finally bidding farewell to international cricket. A magical career indeed!
With Dean Elgar on crease, Hashim Amla joined in to tighten the shaky start, but again a fiery spell from Mitchell Johnson ended Elgar's innings scoring duck. A quick delivery and short of length, Dean Elgar is trapped in back foot and got beaten outside the edge, leaving two stumps on the ground.
As AB De Villiers entered, things seem to acquire a bit of control by the home team. Hashim Amla put some fine knocks adding 41 runs, until James Pattinson took his wicket in lbw.
With only 18 minutes to go for the day, the nightwatchman, Kyle Abbot, entered the scene. Fearing for no more loss of wicket, Kyle Abbot and AB De Villiers took hold of the stand, ensuring no more fall of the wicket. The match finally ended for the day with 71 runs on the loss of 4 wickets.
It is now interesting to see which way the game will drift tomorrow. Australia is eyeing a sure victory but has to ensure amid the pressure. South Africa will be in a desperate attempt to match the game to end up the series in a draw. They have to stay calm and ensure not to lose any more wickets.