South Africa and Australia will both be forced to call on fringe players when the number one ranking in Test cricket goes on the line in the final Test starting Friday in Perth
After a tame draw in the series opener in Brisbane, South Africa’s batting heroics in Adelaide, led by a defiant unbeaten century from debutant Faf du Plessis, ensured the second Test also ended all-square despite a tense and dramatic last day. And it means both sides will tread the WACA ground with the chance to end the series as the top team in Test cricket.
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A win for South Africa, or a draw, would see the Proteas retain their position atop the rankings, while an Australian victory would put them back in the number one spot they last held more than three years ago.