By Lucky Maree
Even if the rain stops now, halfway through the third day in the cricket test between South Africa and Australia in Sidney, it is very unlikely that the match will not finish in a draw.
To win, Australia will have to bat long enough for Usman Khawaja to score the five runs to get his double century, then declare and, with about two days to go, bowl South Africa out twice for a total of about 500 runs.
A big ask indeed. And with every passing minute the challenge becomes even tougher. It is unlikely that Australia will be given a full two days to climb the mountain, but given half a chance, they will chase that objective, however slim the chances are.
For the Proteas the task is a simple one. Hang around long enough, doing the absolute minimum to avoid defeat. Hanging around is, after all, what they do best. It has been such a sad performance from the Proteas that a draw will seem somehow like a win.
It will mean that they lose the series by two thumpings instead of three.
Battling for a draw in a cricket match is not a disgrace.
There are many examples of great back-to-the-wall performances that changed the course of a match. In 1995, England captain, Michael Atherton played a defiant innings of 185 not out at the Wanderers that denied South Africa a victory.
Atherton, not a popular character at the Wanderers, was given a standing ovation by both the South African players and the crowd.
In his autobiography Atherton describes it as follows: “If he is lucky, a batsman may once play an innings that defines him; one that, whether he likes it or not, he will be remembered for.”
Don’t expect that kind of performance from the Proteas.
If they bat again there will be no defiance. Their “let’s see what happens” attitude will prevail.
So guys, If you don’t bat, take the draw. if you get to bat, do the best you can, okay? There is no shame in that, is there?
Australia 475 for 4 (after day two).
Top Aus batters: Usman Khawaja 195no, Steven Smith 104.
SA wicket takers: Anrich Nortje (2), Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj.
Pictured above: Usman Khawaja. Still five runs short of his double century.
Image source: Cricket Australia
