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Johannesburg Test on a knife-edge

A dramatic final hour's play on day four of the final Test in Johannesburg has left the match on a knife-edge with both sides scenting victory. Australia, chasing 292, ended on 248-6, but with Justin Langer still unlikely to bat after his opening-day conc

Simon Cambers
30-Mar-2006


Damien Martyn will resume on 93 on the final day, with Australia needing 44 more for victory, with four wickets in hand © Getty Images
A dramatic final hour's play on day four of the final Test in Johannesburg has left the match on a knife-edge with both sides scenting victory. Australia, chasing 292, ended on 248-6, but with Justin Langer still unlikely to bat after his opening-day concussion, anything could happen on Tuesday.
Australia's chances lie largely in the hands of Damien Martyn, whose unbeaten 93 was the rock of their effort on day four. Having cruised to 198-2, wickets suddenly tumbled and only Martyn held firm.
His presence at the crease is probably why Australia are 1/3 (1.33) to get the remaining runs on Tuesday to clinch victory and a 3-0 series whitewash.
South Africa are 9/4 (3.25) to pull off a great win, while the draw is 40/1 (41.00) but only a day of rain can surely prevent a result.
For the record, the highest successful run-chase in the final innings there was in 1998 when South Africa made 164 to beat West Indies.
Please note that odds are correct at time of publication and are subject to change.

Simon Cambers is Cricinfo's betting correspondent