Lunch Australia 475 for 4 (Khawaja 195*, Smith 104, Nortje 2-55) vs South Africa
Rain continues to thwart Australia’s push for a series sweep over South Africa after the first session on day four was washed out at a gloomy SCG.
The third Test has frustratingly ground to a halt on the back of day three being abandoned without a ball bowled. Khawaja remains stuck on his highest Test score of 195, while Matt Renshaw is 5 not out in his first Test match since 2018 having tested positive for Covid-19 before play on day one.
Renshaw returned negative rapid antigen tests yesterday and this morning.
All eyes have been on Australia captain Pat Cummins and whether he will bat on to ensure Khawaja has a chance at reaching his maiden Test double-century. But a waiting game has ensued with play on day four delayed due to a wet outfield before a resumption of rain.
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Sydney’s forecast is better for the remainder of the day before sunny conditions on Sunday, but it might not be enough to force anything other than a draw.
There are ramifications with victory for Australia to almost certainly book them a spot in the World Test Championship final in June, while an improbable win for South Africa keeps their chances of qualifying alive.
Heavy downpours lashed Sydney on Friday with 56mm of rain recorded to continue a run of rain-affected matches at the traditional SCG New Year’s Test. Forty-nine overs were lost to rain and bad light on the opening two days.
Having started batting on day one, Khawaja joined Geoff Boycott, Sadiq Mohammad, Mark Taylor and Manoj Prabhakar as the only openers whose innings extended into a fourth day.
Australia’s formidable innings was built on a 209-run second-wicket partnership between Khawaja and Steven Smith. It was their 10th century partnership from just 33 innings and highest stand, overtaking their 188 against England at the SCG in 2018.
Having moved past Sir Don Bradman on the career Test century list with his 30th ton, Smith fell for 104 while Marnus Labschagne and Travis Head contributed half-centuries.
A flagging South Africa are increasingly likely to escape defeat although their struggling batting order at some stage will have to face the music against a new-look Australia attack featuring recalled quick Josh Hazlewood and spinner Ashton Agar, who is playing his first Test since 2017.