South Africa, chasing 376 to beat Australia in the final cricket Test in Sydney and take the home team’s No. 1 ranking, reached 62-1 at stumps on day four.
Hashim Amla (30) and Neil McKenzie (25) shared an unbroken 60-run partnership after Australia removed makeshift opener Morne Morkel without scoring. Morkel replaced injured South Africa captain Graeme Smith, who said he’s unlikely to bat again in the match after breaking a finger two days ago.
Australia skipper Ricky Ponting and opener Simon Katich earlier hit half-centuries to lift their team to 257-4 declared in its second innings, an overall lead of 375. The highest fourth-innings total to win a Test in Sydney was Australia’s 288-2 against South Africa three years ago.
South Africa has an unbeatable 2-0 series lead and would replace the Australians atop the International Cricket Council’s Test rankings with a 3-0 sweep. Australia has never lost every match in a home series of three or more Tests.
Hashim Amla (30) and Neil McKenzie (25) shared an unbroken 60-run partnership after Australia removed makeshift opener Morne Morkel without scoring. Morkel replaced injured South Africa captain Graeme Smith, who said he’s unlikely to bat again in the match after breaking a finger two days ago.
Australia skipper Ricky Ponting and opener Simon Katich earlier hit half-centuries to lift their team to 257-4 declared in its second innings, an overall lead of 375. The highest fourth-innings total to win a Test in Sydney was Australia’s 288-2 against South Africa three years ago.
South Africa has an unbeatable 2-0 series lead and would replace the Australians atop the International Cricket Council’s Test rankings with a 3-0 sweep. Australia has never lost every match in a home series of three or more Tests.