The equation facing the Proteas is straightforward: survive with the bat and become far more ruthless with the ball.
Australia hold a commanding advantage after recovering from 124/6 to 390 all out, thanks largely to Matt Renshaw’s magnificent 190 and a record 134-run ninth-wicket partnership with Nathan Lyon. South Africa then conceded a 106-run first-innings lead, with Australia stretching that advantage to 139 by stumps on day three.
The only consolation is that they have been here before. The Proteas were 74 runs behind Australia after the first innings in the WTC Final at Lord’s last year before the Aussies grew their lead to 102 before the first wicket fell, and history tells us what happened from there.
Although conditions are vastly different in Durban than in London, they will need to draw on that experience, knowing they have overcome adversity before.
IOL Sport’s Zaahier Adams plots how they will actually achieve it…
1. Break the opening partnership immediately
Nothing can happen until South Africa get a foothold in Australia’s second innings. The pacemen Anrich Nortje, Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder need early wickets on day four to prevent Australia from batting the Proteas out of the contest.
A lead of 139 is manageable. A lead of 250-plus could be terminal.
2. Avoid a repeat of the Renshaw-Lyon escape act
The decisive passage of the match came when South Africa had Australia reeling at 124/6 before allowing them to recover to 390 all out. Matt Renshaw’s 190 and the record 134-run ninth-wicket stand with Nathan Lyon completely shifted momentum.
If Australia lose early wickets in this innings, the Proteas must stay ruthless and finish the job. They cannot allow another rescue act.
3. Spin twins Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer must come to the party
The Proteas picked two spinners for a reason. In an ideal world, they would have wanted to be bowling on the final day to win the match, but now they have to perform their heroics on the fourth day to give their team a chance of salvaging the Test.
“We’ll see a few more of the spinners tomorrow. Maybe a few innovative field placings and put the ball in their court to come and play,” said Proteas batting coach Ashwell Prince.
Nathan Lyon showed them the template in Australia’s first innings with the ball. It is time for them to do their part.
4. Bat with the patience
Australia showed When the Proteas eventually bat again, they need to copy the blueprint provided by Renshaw. His 190 off 397 deliveries was an exercise in discipline rather than domination.
South Africa’s first task is to forget about the deficit and simply occupy the crease. Australia’s bowlers have thrived on impatience, particularly when the Proteas have chased runs rather than trusted their defence.
As Prince explained: “Some guys are more aggressive than others. Some guys tend to go after their strokes more than others and over long periods of time, they reap the rewards of that. And sometimes, you know, it doesn’t pay off.”
South Africa’s batters need to adopt a patient mentality. Survive first, score later.
5. Turn resistance into belief
The Proteas are the reigning World Test champions and have repeatedly shown resilience under pressure. They do not need to force the issue from the outset. Every session survived and every wicket taken chips away at Australia’s control of the contest.
A couple of early wickets on day four could transform the mood in the South African dressing room and make Australia think differently about their declaration plans.
