Cape Town: South African captain Graeme Smith was out for three in his last Test innings as South Africa lost three quick wickets after being set a massive 511 to win on the fourth day of the third and final Test with Australia at Newlands on Tuesday.
South Africa were 15 for three at tea but finished the day on 71 for four in front of a sparse crowd, which was a surprise after Smith’s announcement on Monday that this would be his final international game and on his home ground.
Hashim Amla and AB de Villiers defied the bowlers for more than two hours in a fourth wicket stand of 53 before Amla was leg before wicket to James Pattinson 20 minutes before the close.Australia’s declaration at 303 for five was set up by a dashing second century of the match by David Warner.
There were a potential 144 overs remaining in the match after the declaration, leaving South Africa needing to fight an extended rearguard action in order to avoid defeat.Smith was given a guard of honour by the Australian players but soon lost Alviro Petersen, his opening partner, who was leg before wicket to Ryan Harris, the 100th Test wicket for the fast bowler.
Six balls later Smith fell for the fourth time in the series to Mitchell Johnson, edging a lifting delivery onto his thigh pad, with the ball looping to short leg Alex Doolan for an easy catch. The Australians stood to salute Smith as he left the ground.
Brief Scores
SA 287 and 71 for 4 (De Villiers 16*, Abbott 1*, Johnson 2-31) vs Aus 494 for 7 dec and 303 for 5 dec (Warner 145, Abbott 3-61) trail by 440 runs
(For all the latest News, Mumbai, Entertainment, Cricket, Business and Featured News updates, visit Free Press Journal. Also, follow us on Twitter and Instagram and do like our Facebook page for continuous updates on the go)
