Cricket

'Should've let Usman get his 200' - Fans sympathise with Usman Khawaja as Aus vs SA third Test ends in a draw

The third and final Test between Australia vs South Africa played at Sydney Cricket Ground ended in a draw on Sunday.

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Daniel S
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Australia vs South Africa

Australia vs South Africa (Source: Twitter)

The third Test between Australia and South Africa held at Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney headed into Day 5 on Sunday. After rain took away most of the overs during the first three days, Australia declared their innings overnight on Day 4 at 475/4 and put South Africa into bat.

The proteas resumed their first innings on 149/6 with Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer at the crease. Jansen departed early in the day as he was dismissed by Travis Head for 11. His dismissal brought Keshav Maharaj to the crease who gave good support to Harmer in the middle. Harmer and Maharaj got involved in a brilliant 85-run stand for the eighth wicket.

The partnership was broken by Josh Hazlewood who trapped Maharaj in front of the stumps and sent him on his way back to the pavilion. Maharaj played a vital knock of 53 to take South Africa past 200. Harmer also fell prey to Hazlewood as he lost his stumps and departed after scoring a decent 47. South Africa got all out for 255 in the second session on the final day.

With not much time left in the Test, Australian captain Pat Cummins enforced the follow-on with 47 overs left in the day. In the second innings, South African captain Dean Elgar once again departed early as his team lost their first wicket on 27. Australia had to wait longer for their second wicket as Sarel Erwee and Heinrich Klaasen added 48 runs for the second wicket.

South Africa finished second innings of 106/2

Erwee further continued his brilliant innings and played out the remaining overs with Temba Bavuma. With just five overs remaining in the day, South Africa were 106/2. Seeing no possibility of a result, Australian captain Pat Cummins shook hands with the opposition as the game ended in a draw. Australia won the three-match series by 2-0, which was their first Test series win at home against Proteas since 2005.

Usman Khawaja was awarded ‘Player of the Match’ for his unbeaten knock of 195 in the first innings. David Warner was awarded ‘Player of the Series’ for finishing as the second-highest run scorer in the series along with Travis Head.

Meanwhile, Twitter was abuzz after the third Test ended in a draw. Here are some of the Tweets:

AUS VS SA Australia vs South Africa 2022-23 Usman khawaja Pat Cummins Dean Elgar Keshav Maharaj