This final day of the series is shaping up to be one of the all-time great days of Test cricket.
The Aussies, with several batters under pressure, need 288 to win. It’s gettable, and the way the Proteas batted on day four is proof the wicket is still plenty good enough to bat on.
Doing so would also mark Australia’s largest successful fourth-innings run chase in 15 years.
The Proteas need to take 10 wickets, and they need all four of their frontline bowlers to be at their best.
Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder proved runs can be scored against the new ball. Given the docile pitch will be freshly rolled in the morning, the first hour of play will be crucial.
If Travis Head and Matthew Renshaw survive it and manage to get 50 or 70 on the board, that will go a long way towards setting up a remarkable victory.
But the longer the session goes on, the effects of the roller will start to wear off and batting will become more difficult. How much more difficult, it’s impossible to say.
“We are in for an absolute blockbuster (on Saturday),” former Proteas quick Vernon Philander said on SEN at stumps on Saturday morning.
Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins on day four. AP Photo/Halden Krog