The 3rd test match between Australia and South Africa ended in a tame draw after intense resistance by the Proteas batsmen Heinrich Klassen, Sarel Erwee and Temba Bavuma on the final day. The draw meant Australians had to be content with the series scoreline of 2-0. The traditional Sydney Pink test match was expected to end in a draw as only 280 overs could be bowled across the 5 days.
South Africa started the day on 149 for 6 with Simon Harmer and Marco Jansen in the crease. Jansen was dismissed shortly after the start of the day’s play. But, Keshav Maharaj and Harmer came together and put on a handy partnership of 83. Maharaj scored a brilliant 50. More importantly, the pair consumed around 26 overs to lessen the chances of Australia’s victory. The South Africans ended on 255 in their first innings.
As expected, Cummins enforced the follow-on and South Africa had around 45 overs to negotiate for a draw. Elgar was nipped out early by Hazlewood but Klassen and Erwee put on a steady 48-run partnership in 18 overs to break the Aussie momentum. South Africa was 106 for 2 when Cummins decided to shake hands and take the series 2-0.
With this draw, Australia has already put one foot in the final of the World Test Championship 2021-23. South Africa is sitting 4th in the WTC 2021-23 points table.
From here, Australia will visit India for a 4-test match series and South Africa will host the West Indies for a 2-test match series.
