South Africa’s horror recent record and Pat Cummins’ ruthless bowling spell have given Australia hope of an against the odds victory on day 5 despite rain wiping out a full day of the Sydney Test.
Day three was a washout as was half of day four, but the tourists’ inability to bat long in their last two series means Australia are a realistic chance of taking the final 14 wickets needed on the final day.
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Shocking review sums up Proteas tour | 02:03
South Africa haven’t batted 90 overs in their last two series, which is nine innings in total and on average they have faced just 60 overs per innings during that stretch.
Australia’s declaration at 4-475 gave them 157 overs to bowl South Africa out twice, which is well above average, provided their is no more rain delays with Sunday’s forecast promising.
South Africa will resume their first innings on day 5 at 6-149, with their top six all back in the pavilion and Marco Jansen (10) and Simon Harmer (6) at the crease.
Further enhancing Australia’s chances is that South Africa’s tail has failed to show any real resistance this series.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s entire batting order has shown vulnerability against Australia’s attack and have consistently lost wickets in quick succession, with mini collapses par for the course this series.
Given the conditions, Australia could rue not playing Scott Boland in Sydney as he historically gets multiple wickets in short periods of time.
However, twin spinners Nathan Lyon (1-65) and Ashton Agar (0-19) could come into their own on day five at the SCG as the pitch deteriorates further.
Still, given what we witnessed on day four, Pat Cummins (3-29) and Josh Hazlewood (2-29) could well be the chief destroyers as Australia hunt a 3-0 series whitewash, with South Africa’s only hope to salvage a face saving draw in Sydney after a horror tour.
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