Australia plan to bat into day three as they open up the potential of a uncommon follow-on state of affairs within the third Test in opposition to South Africa on the SCG.
Australia completed day two on 4-475 when a 3rd rain bathe stopped play, with Usman Khawaja unbeaten on 195 and nearing his maiden Test double century.
A win in Sydney will enable Australia to wrap up a spot in June’s World Test Championship ultimate effectively upfront, however climate stays the hosts’ largest hindrance.
After 43 overs had been misplaced on day one and 14 on day two, additional rain is forecast on Friday and Saturday.
Australia have enforced the follow-on simply as soon as up to now seven years, with captain Pat Cummins admitting this summer season the tactic was unrealistic in most circumstances.
But this may very well be a kind of uncommon events the place it’s helpful given the time misplaced.
Australia do not have one other Test for one more month till they journey to India, whereas the vast majority of overs will likely be bowled by spinners in Sydney given picks.
The solely concern may doubtlessly be having to bat final on the SCG pitch if there’s a small goal to chase, with the expectation it would flip late.
“If we can bat pretty big in this first innings it can give us some options potentially,” Steve Smith mentioned.
“It seems like it rains all the time here for Test matches, which isn’t ideal when you have a dry surface and you want that spin and reverse swing coming into play.”
Smith is hopeful, nevertheless, the floor deteriorating would go well with Australia’s push to take 20 wickets if the rain stays away.
“There is starting to be a little bit more going on there,” he mentioned.
“That’s certainly positive signs for us. And the rougher and more abrasive that surface gets, the more you’ll probably see reverse swing come into play.
“Our bowlers have bowled very well all through this complete sequence thus far. I anticipate nothing totally different.”
South Africa, in contrast, are already beginning to think about survival and assistance from the rain.
“In the place we’re in, the extra time that’s taken off the sport might be higher in our favour,” spinner Keshav Maharaj mentioned.
“It has been a very powerful tour to say the least.
“The batters in the time on the field are chatting plans and how they will go about it.
“We spoke about taking a leaf out of how Usman and Steve Smith batted. Leaving effectively and presenting good scoring possibilities in areas the wicket dictates.”
