South Africa defied Australia’s bold push for an improbable victory, and series sweep, as the third Test ended in a draw at the SCG.
After following on, South Africa were 106 for 2 in their second innings when play ended five overs before the close. The surface played slowly and did not deteriorate as expected with South Africa mustering belated fight to end a disappointing series on a better note.
Australia would have booked a spot in the World Test Championship final in June with victory, but one drawn match in the upcoming four-Test series in India will prove enough.
Given their batting frailties, South Africa will be relieved to have escaped with a draw - their first such result since 2017. South Africa were nervous after skipper Dean Elgar fell before tea when he gloved a short Pat Cummins delivery to be caught behind. An under-pressure Elgar’s wretched series ended with just 56 runs at an average of 9.33 marked by struggles against short leg-side deliveries. After tea, spinner Nathan Lyon was left frustrated after a review on an lbw decision on Heinrich Klaasen went against him. The not-out decision was upheld even though replays showed the ball hitting middle stump.
Brief scores:
Australia 475 for 4 dec
South Africa 255 and (follow n) 106 for 2 (Sarel Erwee 42n.o., Heinrich Klaasen 35, Temba Bavuma 17n.o., Josh Hazlewood 1/9, Pat Cummins 1/16). Cricinfo
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