Australia and South Africa battled it out for one final time in the series at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The Kangaroos, who are already 2-0 up in the three-match series, won the toss and opted to bat first in the third Test match and it was all about opener Usman Khawaja as he smashed 195 runs in the first innings.
However, he missed his double century but the reason was skipper Pat Cummins as he declared their 1st innings when Khawaja was stuck on 195*. Australia 475/4 declared in the first innings.
On Day 4, the Kangaroos reduced the Proteas to 149 for six at the close of the play on the fourth day. Day 5 started off with Keshav Maharaj taking on the Aussie attack. Anything short and he pulled effortlessly, as he picked up a valuable fifty to frustrate the hosts in the first session.
Simon Harmer quietly went about his innings as well. Post Lunch, Australia made inroads as Hazlewood claimed both the Protean spinners and Rabada chipped one back to Lyon. South Africa ended just 21 runs short of the follow-on score and were asked to bat again.
The third Test match ended in a draw
After enforcing follow-on on South Africa, Australia could only claim two wickets on Day 5 of the 3rd Test in Sydney. Courtesy of excessive rain in the first few days of the match, very little play could be possible as the match ended in a draw.
In the second innings, Elgar’s problems against short-pitched bowling continued, and, once again, he nicked one to the keeper down the leg side. His partner Sarel Erwee showed more patience in the second innings, and Klaasen come to the fore as well.
Klaasen’s luck eventually ran out, as Hazlewood got one to stay low and swing in to strike timber. That wicket, however, came too late in the day, as the Proteas had done more than enough to save the day. A few entertaining overs from Marnus Labuschagne followed while Ashton Agar got some practice for the upcoming India series, but with five overs to spare, Pat Cummins finally decided to call it a day.
Here’s how fans reacted:
eagerly waiting to see them again bashing p#rkis next summer.
— fsdss fss (@FsdssFss) January 8, 2023
India owns them
— 𝐍𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐧🇮🇳 (@foreverr_18) January 8, 2023
Australia after remembering that one series with India 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/TwcbH9LwDx
— Moti B (@motihbh) January 8, 2023
India se harne ka reason Contract 😂
— Shahzain Akbar 💙 (@ShahzainAkbar1) January 8, 2023
pak fans to pak team: Dekh… Dekh na aise harate hai Aus ko aus mein pic.twitter.com/MWwIJH6OO4
— Muhammad Arun Singh Anthony (@ArunTuThikHoGya) January 8, 2023
India always known for breaking Aussies streaks
— Otis milbun (VK fan account) (@prashant_ptdr__) January 8, 2023
welcome to india aussies aao tumhe axar aur ashwin k jaal m fansayaenge
— Sarthak Tripathi (@Tsarthak_26) January 8, 2023
Congratulations Team India Series victory ❤️ T20 series #INDvSL
— Raj Chauhan (@RajChau98057639) January 7, 2023
