It was a shortened day one in front of the Sydney faithful, and Australia started well – before rain, bad light and a certain Ainrich Nortje changed things up in South Africa’s favour.
After resounding wins in the opening two test matches, the hosts eye a whitewash over the South Africans, with a place in the ICC World Test Championships awaiting them if they can get it.
It started well for Pat Cummins’ side too, as they won the toss and elected to bat first on a dry deck against Dean Elgar and the Proteas.
Nortje picked up David Warner early before Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne built a solid platform for Australia.
The South African pacers were a bit too short given the slowness of the wicket, and the first session ended at 68/1.
Elgar opted not to over-utilise Simon Harmer, although the spinner looked effective at parts; and a two-hour break in play due to bad light and rain followed, resulting in an early tea.
When play eventually got back underway, just five overs were bowled and another breakthrough came for Nortje. It was a big one, too, as Labuschagne was dismissed for 79 off 151 balls.
Steve Smith was next in, but play was halted again and this time would not resume. Fingers crossed for a punctual start on day two, which is set to begin 30 minutes earlier than originally scheduled.
Smith will join Khawaja (54) at the crease with the hosts 147/2.
Pictured above: Marnus Labuschagne
Image source: @cricketaus
