South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton admitted he was frustrated with Wiaan Mulder after a run-out ended their 154-run fifth-wicket stand in the third and final Test against Australia. However, Rickelton was pleased to share the crease with his childhood friend at Newlands on Friday, October 30.
The hosts resumed the fourth day at 140/4 with a 40-run lead, but Rickelton and Mulder frustrated Australia for much of the day. The duo added a 154-run fifth-wicket partnership. South Africa built a substantial advantage before a late collapse brought the visitors back into the contest.
Ryan Rickelton Opens Up on Run-Out After Century Stand With Wiaan Mulder
Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder batted together from the ninth over before lunch until an hour after tea. Their stand ended when Rickelton ran for a second run, but Mulder stayed at his end. A sharp piece of fielding from Josh Inglis resulted in Rickelton's dismissal.
The two batters share a long history, having attended St Stithians College and represented the Lions and South Africa together. Rickelton said their familiarity helped them build the partnership and enjoy the occasion.
"It was really special until he ran me out. And then I was quite pissed off," Ryan Rickelton said with a smile.
"We have played a lot of cricket coming through the teenage years together, the Lions and for South Africa as well. We know each other’s games really well. To be able to be out there together and to put on a big partnership, and for him to be there for my milestone, was really special and to have a really familiar face."
He added: "I’m sad I wasn’t out there for him, because he played incredibly well today and deserved it, too."
Wiaan Mulder Scores Emotional Century as South Africa Lose Late Wickets
Ryan Rickelton's dismissal triggered a collapse as South Africa lost Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer and Gerald Coetzee within the next 36 deliveries for only 16 runs. The hosts had looked capable of setting Australia a target well beyond 300, but the lower-order wickets reduced their advantage.
Mulder then brought up his hundred by driving Nathan Lyon through the covers for two runs. He celebrated before completing the second run, then removed his helmet and raised his bat towards the sky in an emotional tribute to his father, Pieter, who passed away in April.
Mulder had struggled against short-pitched bowling earlier in the series, with three of his first four innings ending after he attempted to deal with short deliveries. However, he adjusted his approach on Friday, ducking under the bouncers before attacking once he reached his century.
After reaching his century, Mulder shifted gears, pulling Cummins for six and slog-sweeping Lyon for another maximum. He eventually fell for 115, caught near the boundary while attempting another big hit off Cummins with the final delivery of the day.
Wiaan Is Naturally an Attacking Batter - Ryan Rickelton
Ryan Rickelton praised his teammate's ability and said he had encouraged him to remain focused on the partnership rather than individual milestones.
"Wiaan is naturally an attacking batter and technically sound. But sometimes he can get too far from himself. So it was about trying to keep him in the moment. Like it is with all of us — stay present and emphasise the partnership. That and the time we spent out there was more important than individual runs. We tried to keep ourselves accountable in that aspect."
He added: "He’s a classy cricketer. Some of the shots he played today, not many can. I’m really chuffed for him and that we represented each other well and put on a good partnership."
