Live: Australia starts tough chase with series victory over South Africa on the line
Australia looks to chase down 288 runs to win the third Test against South Africa in Cape Town, with series honours on the line. Follow live.
Just so we know what Australia is up against here today, these are the highest successful chases at Newlands in Tests.
6-334 Australia vs South Africa 2002
2-236 South Africa vs Australia 2011
3-212 South Africa vs India 2022
5-211 South Africa vs India 2007
3-186 South Africa vs West Indies 2008
6-182 South Africa vs Pakistan 2013
So Australia, if they are to win today, will have to record the second highest fourth innings run chase in the ground's Test history by knocking off 288.
Of course, that 2002 Test was a cracker, an unbeaten 100 from Ricky Ponting getting the Aussies over the line for a four-wicket win as they successfully chased 331.
Australia still needed 202 runs to win heading into the final day, with Pointing anchoring the victory after a 101-run opening partnership between Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer.
There have been higher fourth innings scores than that at Newlands that have not resulted in a win:
5-354 West Indies vs South Africa 2004 (draw)
335 South Africa vs New Zealand 1962 (loss)
306 Sri Lanka vs South Africa 1998 (loss)
304 England vs South Africa 2005 (loss)
9-296 England vs South Africa 2010 (draw)
So it is more than possible to score big on this ground on a wearing pitch.
If Australia scores 288 it will be the seventh highest fourth innings score in Newlands' history as a Test venue.
