Inclement weather threatens to derail Australia's bid of a series clean sweep against South Africa and a confirmed place in the world test championship final as the third and final test against South Africa at Sydney Cricket Ground appears destined for a draw.
After rain and bad light delays across he first two days, consistent, and at times heavy, rain meant no play was possible at all on Friday. It left Australia unable to add to its imposing first-innings score of 475-4 and Usman Khawaja stranded on his overnight score of 195 and tantalizingly close to his first double century.
Australia now has the dilemma of deciding how many runs it needs and then how much time it needs to bowl out South Africa twice to win in the two remaining days on a pitch not yet offering the expected assistance for the spinners.
“I think it'd be pretty harsh if he (skipper Pat Cummins declared) straight away,” Khawaja said after play was abandoned on the prospect have being stranded on 195. "I don't think that's going to happen.
“We could go out there and get a few more runs really quickly or we could declare pretty much straight away. ”
Consistent rain swept through the Sydney area from early Friday morning and the gaps in the rainfall where not sufficient for ground staff to prepare the field and the match to resume. Shortly after the scheduled tea break, umpires abandoned the day's play.
The forecast appears more favorable for the final two days of the test, although some light showers are forecast for Saturday.