Day 3 washout raises Khawaja conundrum for Australia
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Australia vs South Africa, 3rd Test, Day 3 washout raises Khawaja conundrum for Australia in Sydney Test
V2 The entire third day of the final Sydney Test was cancelled due to inclement weather, which has forced a reevaluation of Australia's efforts to achieve a series sweep over South Africa.
Match Summary
Australia *475/4 (131 ov)
South Africa
Day Break : Day 3 Australia won the toss and elected to bat
Skipper Pat Cummins must decide whether to declare Australia's first innings at 475 for four and give South Africa a chance to bat, or allow Usman Khawaja to try for his first Test double century on the fourth day of the match on Saturday.
Khawaja was stuck on 195, his highest Test score, when play was ended by the rain on Thursday. Renshaw, who tested positive for Covid at the start of the match, was not out on five."
The condition of the Sydney Cricket Ground pitch, which has been affected by three days of rain interruptions, will also be a factor in the decision.
The frequent rain and use of covers on the pitch has prevented it from drying out and deteriorating from use, which has benefited Australia's two selected spinners, Nathan Lyon and Ashton Agar.
Australia's decision to only select two front-line pacemen, Josh Hazlewood and Cummins, for the match may make their task more difficult if the pitch is not as suitable for spin bowling as they had initially planned.
The Australian team is also striving for a series sweep in order to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final, which is scheduled to take place in London in June.
South Africa is not as concerned about the weather, as they try to avoid being beaten 3-0 in the series.
"In the position we are in, the more time that is taken out of the game is probably more in our favour," spinner Keshav Maharaj said on Thursday's second day after rain brought South Africa some badly needed respite
But it also puts Australia in a position where they have to make a play from here on in."
The weather forecast predicts improved conditions on Saturday with less rain expected, and sunny conditions on the final day of the match on Sunday.
Australia is leading the series 2-0 after a convincing victory in the opening Test in Brisbane, winning by six wickets in just two days, and then defeating South Africa by an innings and 182 runs in Melbourne.
Match Stats
Australia Fall of wickets: 1-12 (David Warner - 3.4 ov), 2-147 (Marnus Labuschagne - 46.6 ov), 3-356 (Steven Smith - 109.1 ov), 4-468 (Travis Head - 128.3 ov)
Australia is leading the series 2-0 after a convincing victory in the opening Test in Brisbane, winning by six wickets in just two days, and then defeating South Africa by an innings and 182 runs in Melbourne
South Africa
Playing XIs
Australia: Alex Carey (WK), Steven Smith, David Warner,, Marnus Labuschagne, Usman Khawaja, Matt Renshaw, Travis Head, Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood
South Africa: Kyle Verreynne (WK), Heinrich Klaasen, Dean Elgar, Temba Bavuma, Khaya Zondo, Sarel Erwee, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Simon Harmer
Match Details:
Date: Tuesday, January 3, 2023 23:30
Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Toss: Australia won the toss & elected to bat
Officials Umpires: Chris Gaffaney (New Zealand) Paul Reiffel (Australia) Richard Kettleborough (England TV)
Match Referee: Richie Richardson (West Indies)
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