Australia vs South Africa, 3rd Test, Day 4 Australia in control as rain abates at the SCG

Australia has been in control of the game from the start. After two days of rain in Sydney, the weather finally cleared up for the fans. The first session was cancelled due to the wet conditions, and Australia declared their innings at 475/4, with Usman Khawaja remaining on 195 not out.

Match Summary

Australia vs South Africa, 3rd Test, South Africa tour of Australia

Australia 475/4d (131 ov)

South Africa *149/6 (59 ov)

Day Break : Day 4 South Africa trail by 326 runs.

SCORECARD

Hazlewood, Cummins, and Lyon took advantage of the favorable conditions and quickly dismissed the top of South Africa's batting order. Zondo and Bavuma attempted to rebuild the innings, but Bavuma was removed by Hazlewood after the tea break while he was playing aggressively. Zondo and Verreynne also fell to Cummins, who was particularly effective in his third spell. Lyon consistently threatened the batsmen but was unable to take any wickets despite generating several opportunities.

South Africa managed to hold on through the final overs despite facing a challenging spell from Cummins, Hazlewood, and the spinning deliveries of Nathan Lyon. The uneven bounce made the going especially tough for the batsmen.

Unfortunately, Usman Khawaja's quest for a double century ended today when Pat Cummins declared overnight with Khawaja stranded on 195. The morning session was cancelled due to muddy patches on the field, leaving Khawaja five runs short of his goal. While Khawaja is surely disappointed, he can take solace in his outstanding performance.

Australia has executed its plans effectively and dismissed the top three batsmen, with two falling in quick succession. Cummins and his team will be confident of continuing their strong performance and breaking down the South African lineup further. Spin bowlers Ashton Agar and Nathan Lyon will likely be looking forward to the opportunity to contribute to the team's success."

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)

South Africa Fall of wickets: 1-22 (Dean Elgar - 8.5 ov), 2-37 (Sarel Erwee - 17.5 ov), 3-37 (Heinrich Klaasen - 18.3 ov), 4-85 (Temba Bavuma - 38.1 ov), 5-130 (Khaya Zondo - 48.4 ov), 6-137 (Kyle Verreynne - 52.4 ov)

Playing XI

Australia - David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Matt Renshaw, Alex Carey (WK), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins (C), Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood

South Africa - Dean Elgar (C), Sarel Erwee, Heinrich Klaasen, Temba Bavuma, Khaya Zondo, Kyle Verreynne (WK), 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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