With the series finely poised at 1-1, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown in the shadow of Table Mountain, where South Africa will look to finish the job against one of the most formidable teams in world cricket.

Australia drew first blood with a commanding 214-run victory at Kingsmead in Durban. However, the Proteas responded in emphatic fashion, recording an impressive innings-and-31-run win in a rain-affected second Test at St George’s Park in Gqeberha to level the series.

Ryan Rickelton. Photo: Cricinfo

The Baggy Greens remain at the top of the World Test Championship standings and are among the leading forces in five-day cricket. South Africa, meanwhile, are the reigning WTC champions and occupy third place in the standings, while currently ranked second in the world in Test cricket.

With a busy summer of international cricket unfolding, the Proteas are keeping their attention firmly on the task at hand. Rather than becoming distracted by world rankings or the prospect of another WTC final, their immediate objective is to overcome Australia and claim the series.

Proteas batter Ryan Rickelton, who enjoys batting in Cape Town and also took on wicketkeeping duties during the second Test, said the team’s focus was firmly on securing victory in the series decider.

“Australia have been the number one team in the world for a long time, and to beat them in our conditions is massive for us,” said Rickelton.

“If we can get to the World Test Championship final in June and win it, then I think I’ll be able to answer the question about being the best team in the world more directly.

“For now, I think both teams are very evenly matched, and we’re focused on taking things one game at a time.”

Rickelton added that levelling the series in Gqeberha had provided the squad with a significant confidence boost heading into the decisive encounter in the Mother City.

Anrich Nortjé. Photo: Cricinfo

“To force a result in Gqeberha was massive for us, particularly in terms of the confidence it gave the group,” he said.

“We’re now in a similar position at 1-1 heading into the final Test in Cape Town. It’s about building consistency and proving that we can beat the best teams in the world.

“If we can get over the line this week, it will give the players and coaching staff a huge confidence boost as we look ahead to the rest of the summer.”

Meanwhile, fast bowler Anrich Nortjé has been ruled out of the third Test after sustaining an injury while bowling during the first innings at St George’s Park.

Corbin Bosch. Photo: Cricinfo

Gerald Coetzee, Corbin Bosch, and Dane Paterson are all part of the squad and could be called upon to replace Nortjé, should the selectors opt to make a change to the bowling attack.

With home advantage and the series on the line, the Proteas will be eager to deliver a complete performance and cap off the contest with a statement victory over the Australians.

Play at Newlands is scheduled to get underway at 10:30 on Tuesday.

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs