South Africa-Australia set for classic finale – what does history suggest could happen?

Australia's target is such that should they chase it on day five, it would be the second-highest fourth-innings chase in the 62 previous Tests on this famous ground.

The highest? That's a good omen for Australia.

They chased 331 for a four-wicket win in an epic Test against the Proteas in 2002, when Ricky Ponting hit a brilliant 100 not out.

There have been five other scores above 288 in the fourth innings at Newlands - all of which were made in defeats or when salvaging a draw.

For much of the afternoon and evening sessions, as Australia's bowlers tired, this surface appeared flat enough to score.

When Rickelton and Mulder applied themselves, few opportunities were created. They were able to progress to their third and fourth Test centuries respectively.

It took a run out to end Rickelton's knock, after which Marco Jansen pulled to deep square leg and Gerald Coetzee was also run out - three dismissals down to batter error in a collapse of 4-61, which left South Africa nine down and 251 runs ahead.

That Mulder and number 11 Kagiso Rabada flogged 36 before the close, suggested run-scoring is not impossible.