Josh Hazlewood warns about bouncer threat on Cape Town pitch
Josh Hazlewood noted the difficulty of bowling bouncers on the Cape Town pitch. Australia need 288 in the fourth innings after South Africa scored 387.
Josh Hazlewood said the Cape Town pitch would make bouncers difficult to bowl after South Africa were all out for 387. Australia face a target of 288 in the fourth innings. Six of South Africa's second-innings wickets fell to hook shots.
Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder added 154 runs for the sixth wicket with both scoring centuries. The pitch offered little seam movement or reverse swing. James Franklin said the short-ball tactic had been fruitful despite the passive surface.
Australia's biggest fourth-innings chase in 15 years is required for victory. The first Test against New Zealand starts in Perth on December 9.
CricHubb Take
The success of the short-ball tactic on a surface offering little seam movement shows how quickly bowlers adapt when conventional plans are limited.