South Africa require another seven wickets to claim victory in the fourth Test at the Wanderers in Johannesburg against Australia. Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the final day from 6pm (AEST).
Yesterday will no doubt go down as one of the most painful days of Test cricket. South Africa started the day with the score at 3-134, a lead of 401 runs.
Many thought they would bat that little bit longer and then have a go at the Aussies, but it wasn’t to be the case. There were rumours going around that there were a few niggles in the South African bowling department, so they decided to put the game so far beyond the point of an Australian comeback, the day almost became unbearable to watch.
Faf du Plessis found some much-needed runs as he got his first century of the series, finishing with 120, while Dean Elgar continued his good form scoring 81.
Pat Cummins was the pick of the Australian bowlers as he picked up four wickets, which took his total tally to nine for the game.
South Africa declared at 6 for 344, setting Australia 612 runs to win. Mind you, South Africa had every right to bat as long as they did, as they have not won a home series against Australia since 1970.
As they already led the series going into this Test match, they just need a draw and with a few niggles, they wanted to put this game well beyond an Australian win.
They should win needing only the seven more wickets in an entire day’s play. Matt Renshaw was the first to go for five runs when he was trapped LBW to the injured Morne Morkel.
Usman Khawaja soon followed for seven runs when he was deemed to be offering no shot to Keshav Maharaj.
Joe Burns played well to get to 42, but Morkel had another victim LBW when Burns walked across his stumps.
Currently, Peter Handscomb (23 not out) and Shaun Marsh (seven not out) are at the crease with the score 3-88.
Prediction
I thought South Africa would wrap this Test up yesterday, but the declaration wouldn’t allow them to do so. I don’t actually think they care if they win this Test, providing they don’t lose.
You would think though they will get these seven wickets before the end of play.
South Africa to wrap up the series 3-1.
Join The Roar for live scores and a blog of the match, starting from 6pm (AEST).
Geoff from Bruce Stadium
Guest
It wasn't a contest Brent - I call that a hollow win - you can call it what you like Here is a definition of a hollow win - "Hollow wins make play seem redundant because there is no longer any mastery to strive for" The South Africans were supreme no doubt but the Aussies were a psychological mess - they had little fight for the contest - which as a proud Aussie is difficult to watch and reconcile
ADP
Guest
Easy Brent, don't invest too much in an argument with Kenoath, he's clearly a minor.
ADP
Guest
Is it a game of luck when Aus win?
Riaan Hendricks
Roar Rookie
Sad to think about it, but the fact is, More Morkel has an Aussie wife, and he's son is half Aussie. So, Morkel jnr might one day run out representing that Australian team. Given the current unspoken issues our country have at the moment.
Brent Buxton
Roar Rookie
Easy for me to say now but my son only wants one signature...Tim Paine. What a gentleman and honest but hard hitting in his summary of the tour. Just wish results only determined greatness. Tim you have serious respect from this South African. I really do hope you take Australia to the top again.
KenoathCarnt
Guest
England beat SA in SA cricket is a game of luck Australia's edges go to slips SA's edges go for 4 congratulations have the win.
Brent Buxton
Roar Rookie
Rats 100%...it's not only the direct damage but probably the collateral damage which takes a lot longer to repair than a one off incident.
Dave.SA
Guest
The beat Australia in Australia...not that long ago... In fact over the last 10 years they have the best away record
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Come on seriously? Couldn't of cared less i was watching thinking do they want to win by 500 or 600? Either i was resigned to the fact that we were gone. SA got slaughtered in England so i guess no team is really good enough to win away at the moment besides SA beating an out of form Australia at home.
Ok, nothing to discuss here, enjoy your pity party
Brent Buxton
Roar Rookie
Yes Kenoath, they have beaten India in India. Sa have an unbelievable away record overall!
KenoathCarnt
Guest
Well what other way can you justify it?
Brent Buxton
Roar Rookie
Wrong actually Kenoath. It was obvious as per my previous comments that Sa were mentally destroying Aus by batting them completely out the game.Whilst I supported Sa, I had satisfaction in that I had been commenting that Warne and many others didn't appreciate the damage of 600 odd did to the minds.In fact I was surprised Warne saying declare and let the Aussies have a go!...never...Faf had tactics spot on!
Nonsense, are you suggesting the home team got favourable treatment?
KenoathCarnt
Guest
This is pure fact am i blind or did Rabada not clearly make contact with him while screaming in his face??? He got band in England for doing the same thing except that ime it was alot more tame. De kock was reported on SEN for roughing up the ball with his gloves and was spoken to by umpires. If these two incidents happened overseas the consequences would have been alot worse.
Your comments are getting more sour by the minute. Where do you get your material?
KenoathCarnt
Guest
LOL the only armchairs were SA supporters being bored to death Australia was simply waiting for the match to come to an end.
Rats
Guest
He shouldn't play in the IPL.
Rats
Guest
He may not be responsible for ball tampering. But he was partly responsible for team culture, letting Warner loose to sledge others and not able to take it bsck when given. Complaining about crowd behaviour... Renrmver, team culture has been the talk in the last two weeks.
KenoathCarnt
Guest
The series was in SA he was never going to get banned despite clearly breaking the rules. SA were also ball tampering with De Kock roughing the ball up with his gloves but i guess he wasn't using sandpaper so it makes it alright what a top bloke.