Australia close in on victory - Sport in brief - Evening Standard
       

Australia close in on victory

Australia are on track to retaining their number one Test ranking after taking three quick wickets to leave South Africa reeling at 139 for four at lunch on day five of the third Test at the SCG.

South Africa entered the final day needing a further 314 runs to pull off an improbable win - and a series clean sweep - having progressed to 62 for one at stumps on day four.

But the loss of Neil McKenzie (27), Jacques Kallis (four) and Hashim Amla (59) in the opening session virtually ended any hope of a miracle victory.

AB de Villiers (29 not out) and JP Duminy (seven not out) were at the crease at the lunch interval.

With a minimum of 61 overs to be bowled, the Proteas require a further 237 runs to take the series 3-0.

A draw or victory will be enough for Australia to remain at the top of the ICC's official Test rankings.

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