Australia vs South Africa 2023 – Day 3: Third Day of the Sydney Test Match Washed Out as Match Heads Towards a Draw

Match: Australia vs South Africa 2023 | Third Sydney Test Match | Day 3

Dates: 4th January 2023 – 8th January 2023

Venue: Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)

Australia vs South Africa – Day 3 of the 3rd Test Match Report:

Rain washed out the third day of the 3rd Sydney Test Match:

Australia batted well on the limited time that they got on the first and second day of the third test match against South Africa. Usman Khawaja continued his excellent form and neared another double hundred, currently batting on 195 with Travis Head smashing the bowlers around to accelerate the run scoring.

Only 47 overs were bowled on day 1 because of the rainfall while second day also lost 6 overs due to a short rain delay. Australia wanted to pile runs on as they were to resume their innings at 475/4. Perhaps the only reason that they wanted to bat a little longer was to allow Usman Khawaja to get to his double hundred. However, rain had other plans. It rained heavily on Friday as not a single ball was bowled at Sydney.

At 15:15, the umpires and match referee made it official that the play had been called off for the day due to persistent rainfall.

Play will start early on Saturday and Sunday to make up for the time lost. A maximum of 196 overs are remaining in the game to produce a result.

As it stands, the game is heading towards a draw.

Australia vs South Africa – Day 3 of the 3rd Sydney Test Match | Playing XIs:

South Africa’s playing XI:

Dean Elgar (c), Sarel Erwee, Heinrich Klaasen, Temba Bavuma, Khaya Zondo, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje

South Africa made two changes to their team from the second test match. Henrich Klassen was brought back into the South African side in place of De Bruyn. Te other change was the inclusion of the spinner Simon Harmer in place of Lungi Ngidi.

Australia vs South Africa 2023 – Day 3: Third Day of the Sydney Test Match

Australia’s playing XI:

Pat Cummins (c), David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Matthew Renshaw, Alex Carey (wk), Ashton Agar, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood.

Australia made three changes to their side from the second test match against South Africa. Scott Boland, Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green missed out due to injury concerns. A pleasant change for the team was the return of the premier fast bowler Josh Hazlewood. This will be Hazelwood’s first home test this season. Matt Renshaw and Agar were included as well.

Australia vs South Africa – Day 3 of the 3rd Sydney Test Match Toss:

Australian Captain Pat Cummins had won the toss and decided to bat first at the SCG pitch. The decision was made because the wicket is expected to turn on the 4th and 5th Day. That’s the reason why both teams included two spinners in their side.

World Test Championship Scenarios| India | Australia | South Africa:

The test match is important because of the crucial world test championship points. These points will become crucial for the qualification of the final of the ICC World Test Championship.

Australia currently sit happily at the top of the World Test Championship points table. If Australia win the 3rd test match at Sydney, they will directly qualify for the final.

India are currently second on the World Test Championship points table. They just need to do well in the home series against Australia to secure their berth.

South Africa must win the 3rd test match if they want to remain in the race for final.

A Draw is very likely at the SCG, which would give some hope to Sri Lanka if they do well in the series against New Zealand.

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Australia vs South Africa 2023 – Day 3: Third Day of the Sydney Test Match