SYDNEY (AP) — Steady rain threatens to derail Australia’s bid for an outright series victory against South Africa and a confirmed place in the world test championship final, as the third and final test against South Africa at Sydney Cricket Ground meanders to a draw.
After rain delays on the first two days, more rain on Friday meant no play before lunch was possible with Australia unable to add to their impressive 475-4 first innings score and leaving Usman Khawaja with his score of the overnight of 195 and tantalizingly close to his first double century.
With more downpours expected on Friday, Australia are in the dilemma of deciding how many runs they need and then how long they need to beat South Africa twice in a field that is yet to offer the expected turnout for spinners.
Australia have already won the series after two crushing defeats in the first two tests in Brisbane and Melbourne.
A victory for Australia in this third test would confirm their place in the world test championship final to be played at Lord’s in England in June this year.
On Thursday, Khawaja scored his third straight SCG tonne and surpassed his previous highest Test score of 174, against New Zealand in Brisbane in 2015, and shared a 209-run partnership with Steve Smith to lead Australia to 475-4 when the rain stopped the game. The day.
Smith made 104 to join former Australia opening batsman Matt Hayden in 30 Test centuries. Only Ricky Ponting (41) and Steve Waugh (32) have more among Australian male Test players.
Smith also surpassed Hayden (8,625 runs) and Michael Clarke (8,643) in career runs and is now the fourth Australian Test run-scorer with 8,647 runs, behind Ponting (13,378), Allan Border (11,174) and Waugh (10,927). ).
Matt Renshaw, in his first test since 2018 for the injured Cameron Green, tested positive for COVID-19 just before the game and was separated from the rest of his teammates and moved to another locker room at the SCG. He hit as expected at No. 6 and was five not out Thursday.
International Cricket Council regulations state that Renshaw may play in the match provided he is feeling well enough, with the option of a similar substitute if he is unable to play.
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