India, Oct. 31 -- As the third Test between South Africa and Australia drew to a close, it showed why Test cricket at an intense level is the ultimate format. What began as a fiercely contested battle in Newlands ended in a final-day Australian batting collapse as the Proteas dismissed the visitors for 111 and completed a 176-run victory. They sealed the series 2-1 and took the No.1 Test ranking.

It was a match that had everything: hard-fought early centuries, massive momentum swings, a gritty lower-order fightback and a bowling masterclass that tore through a batting lineup in transition.

The first half of the Test was a tense battle for control. South Africa batted first, putting up a respectable total of 329 on a pitch that offered j...