Ryan Rickelton and Wiaan Mulder scored hundreds in South Africa’s second innings of the third and final Test against Australia. Rickelton (101) and Mulder (115) added 154 runs for the sixth wicket, helping the hosts to set a target of 288. They are both childhood friends and studied together at St Stithians College in Johannesburg. South Africa were in trouble on day 4 of the contest, and it was Rickelton and Mulder’s stand that kept the Proteas in contention, setting up a final-day showdown against the Aussies.

Rickelton and Mulder entered the record books, becoming the first  No. 6 and No. 7 pair, or lower, to post centuries against Australia in the second innings of a five-day game.

It is the fourth instance of No. 6 and No. 7 batters amassing centuries in the second innings of a Test match and the first since 1989, when Dean Jones and Steve Waugh recorded the milestone against Sri Lanka in Hobart.

The landmark was first achieved in 1937, when Aussie legends  Jack Fingleton and Don Bradman smashed tons against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Meanwhile, Rickelton smashed 12 boundaries before he was run out by Josh Inglis. On the other hand,  Mulder struck 10 fours and four sixes.

When Rickelton was dismissed, Australia thought of restricting the Temba Bavuma-led team, but a key stand between Mulder and Kagiso Rabada kept the rival bowlers at bay. Rabada helped Mulder reach his ton.

Mulder was the last wicket to fall, with Australia captain Pat Cummins taking the scalp. The host nation managed 387 in 134.4 overs, leaving Australia with a target of 288 on the final day.

The series is levelled 1-1, with both teams winning one game each. Australia started the series with a big win in the first Test, while South Africa hit back in the second match.