Durban set for final-day finish as South Africa chase 421
South Africa need 319 more runs and Australia need six more wickets on the final day of the first men's Test in Durban.
The equation is set for 13 October at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead Stadium. South Africa are four wickets down in a chase of 421. Aiden Markram will resume not out. A draw is also in play if South Africa can bat out 90 overs The Guardian.
It is the opener of a three-Test series, played from 9 to 13 October and listed as part of the ICC World Test Championship. The series moves next to St George's Park in Gqeberha on 18-22 October, with Cape Town also scheduled to host a Test.
Australia built the game first. They were 187-6 at one stage on day one before recovering to 390 all out. Matt Renshaw made 190 and shared a 134-run stand for the ninth wicket with Nathan Lyon Reuters.
South Africa replied with 284 in their first innings. That left them 106 runs behind, after they had been 253-9 and still 137 runs adrift during day three ESPNcricinfo.
Australia then pushed hard on day four. They raced to 314-6 in only 58 overs before declaring, which in Test cricket means choosing to end the innings early to leave time to bowl the opposition out. Renshaw added 82 second time around as Australia set South Africa 421 to win The Guardian.
South Africa closed day four on 102-4 after 41 overs Cricket.com.au. Markram was 45 not out from 115 balls, with Wiaan Mulder on 5 beside him. David Bedingham made 46 before falling, after putting on 50 in 77 balls with Markram for the second wicket. Josh Hazlewood had 2-20 at that stage.
Bad light has cut play short more than once in this match. The first ball had been scheduled for 9:30am local time, but fading light has repeatedly forced early finishes.
For fans new to Tests, the maths is simple. There are 10 wickets in an innings, so six more dismissals wins it for Australia. South Africa win by reaching 421. Anything in between — all 90 overs survived without either side achieving its aim — is a draw.
