AUS vs SA: Australia in ascendancy on Day 2 despite interruptions due to inclement weather

Day 2 of the third and final red-ball contest between the hosts Australia and South Africa witnessed yet another spell of showers at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) but other than that it saw complete dominance from the hosts. After concluding Day 1 with 147 runs on the board for the loss of two wickets, the Aussies continued to dictate terms with the bat as they put up 475 runs on the board at the end of Day 2. 

Opener Usman Khawaja registered a majestic century off 206 balls and concluded the day five runs shy off a double century (195* runs). The opener received valiant support from Steve Smith, who also added a ton (104 runs) to his name before getting dismissed to Keshav Maharaj. Travis Head who replaced Smith in the middle, joined the party as he swiftly hit the ground running.  

Khawaja continued to steer the side by carving out a delicate innings and stitched a 100-run partnership (112 runs) for the fourth wicket with Head. Head eventually got out while trying up the ante to pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada after scoring 70 off 59 deliveries. 

Showers continue to hamper Australia's dominance

Following the dismissal of Head, in came Matt Renshaw, who tested COVID-19 positive prior to the contest but was allowed to take the field. The batter immediately got off the mark with a boundary before the covers came on as the persistent drizzle intensified. 

With the drizzle coming down steadily, the umpires called for stumps on Day 2. With the showers playing spoilsport, it remains to be seen if the match would resume in full swing on Day 3 as more rain forecast is predicted for tomorrow. 

The Aussies will look to maintain the momentum and put up a competitive total before declaring the innings. Whereas, the visitors need to shift gears as the bowling unit will have to work in tandem to get major breakthroughs. Fans will hope for the contest to be played fully without interruptions when Day 3 resumes.  

Here is how Twitter reacted to Day 2 of the series finale between Australia and South Africa:

What an innings, Smitty 👏#AUSvSA | #PinkTest pic.twitter.com/hxQLA2Br70

— Sydney Cricket Ground (@scg) January 5, 2023

Matches - 92
Runs - 8647
AVG - 60.89
Tons - 30*
The Greatest Test Batsman Of This Generation 🐐#PinkTest #Smith #AUSvRSA #AUSvsSA https://t.co/5m0AQWW07p

— Charan Appu (@CharanPOWER22) January 5, 2023

I was surprised at the IPL auction 2022-2023 when no franchise showed interest in Travis Head given his aggressive form.He is also effective in bowling.#AUSvsSA #AUSvRSA #Australia #IPL2023Auction #TATAIPLAuction pic.twitter.com/qYxfzu0yRH

— Usman Shaikh (@shaikhmohdusman) January 5, 2023

Say what you will about Perth crowds but at least we can play cricket here after 4:30PM#AUSvRSA

— Mostyn Lee (@mostynlee) January 5, 2023

I wish Rain would not interrupt @Uz_Khawaja double ton 🏏 #AUSvRSA @CricketAus

— Vinod Reddy🇮🇳 (@VinodReddy128) January 5, 2023

Sydney is a terrible place to play Test cricket in January #AUSvRSA

— On the move (@cellblock3138) January 5, 2023

Uzzie (Usman Khawaja) deserves his first double century today due to his consistent good performances.Will he celebrate his maiden double ton today! I hope he will.#AUSvsSA #AUSvRSA #Australia #Sydney #testcricket #WTC23 pic.twitter.com/dI39nh1cVl

— Usman Shaikh (@shaikhmohdusman) January 5, 2023

Travis Head’s quick and consistent scoring is phenomenal. Just breaks the back of any potential opposition counterattack. #AUSvRSA

— Nathan Cirson (@nathancirson) January 5, 2023

New Year. But, Old Steve Smith. Seems like #Australia is burying South Africa, this game!! 🔥🔥#AUSvRSA #AUSvSA #AUSvsSA

— Sharon Solomon (@BSharan_6) January 5, 2023

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