Sydney Cricket Ground and the NSW cricket faithful haven’t had a great start to the new year. Rain has disturbed the 3rd and final test match between Australia and South Africa at the SCG. Constant interruptions meant that, the final test match could be possibly heading towards a draw, thus robbing Australia a chance to win the series 3-0.
The story so far –
Australia were 475/4, when rain came down late on day two with Usman Khawaja on 195. It rained the whole of 3rd day, which meant that there was no play possible. Even the 4th day saw rain play spoilsport till lunch, before the covers came off. Usman Khawaja had to face heartbreak after the Australians decided to declare with the left hander just 5 short of a maiden double ton.
Steve Smith takes an amazing catch but…
It was an amazing display of bowling by the Australian bowlers once they got the cherry in their hands. Josh Hazlewood made his way back to the team in place of Scott Boland. The 31 year old was on the spot when he had Dean Elgar edging the ball and Steve Smith taking a low catch like a goalkeeper. Elgar, though wasn’t going anywhere as the two umpires Chris Gaffeney and Paul Reiffel went up to the 3rd umpire.
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Umpire Richard Kettleborough earns boos from the crowd –
Once the decision was referred to the 3rd umpire, there were quiet a few angles looked at. The 3rd umpire, Richard Kettleborough decided to give Elgar the benefit of doubt by ruling the decision in his favor and giving him not out. This did not sit down well with the fans as they decided to boo the 3rd umpire.
South Africa 6 down at stumps –
3 wickets by Pat Cummins and 2 wickets by Josh Hazlewood had the visitors in trouble at stumps. South Africa were 149/6 with Marco Jansen on 10 and Simon Harmer on 6. The top scorer for South Africa was 39 by Khaya Zondo and 35 by Temba Bavuma.
The final day’s play is expected to have clear weather and the Australian bowlers will want to remove the final few wickets and enforce the follow on. The visitors on the other hand will want to avoid yet another defeat and an humiliating whitewash to start the new year.