South Africa’s Rickelton 101 off 219 and Mulder 115 off 221 turned the tide, piling 154‑run sixth‑wicket stand that sent the Proteas to 387 and a 287‑run cushion.
After a 40‑run lead at the break and four wickets down, Breetzke’s dismissal by Cummins sparked the partnership; the pair racked up 92 runs without losing a wicket in the second session, then Rickelton’s third Test century on 219 balls and Mulder’s fourth on 204 dribbled in.
Starc finished with 3/65, his ninth wicket of the match, but the Australian bowlers were stymied by the long‑overs of the duo. A brief collapse followed when Mulder ran out Rickelton, but Mulder followed with a 66‑ball second half‑century before falling to Cummins.
Australia now need 288 to win the series, and the pitch is expected to shift in favour of spinners – a perfect stage for the likes of Harmer. The last day will test their resilience; the Proteas will look to defend the target.