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South Africa tour of Australia
Test Format
3rd Test
Australia v South Africa
Sydney Cricket Ground
Sydney, Australia
4-8 January 2023
South Africa will be looking to save face when they take on Australia in the third and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with play getting underway on Wednesday, January 4.
The Proteas have already lost the three-match series after being totally outplayed by the hosts in the first two Tests to end the year on a disappointing note.
The opening Test at the Gabba lasted just two days as the Aussies cruised to a six-wicket victory and the second Test at the MCG was over by day four.
Malibongwe Maketa's side were dismissed for 189 in the first innings, which was the ninth time in 2022 that they fell short of the 200-mark.
Kyle Verreynne (52) and Marco Jansen (59) both scored half-centuries as they put on a 112-run stand for the sixth wicket, with Cameron Green doing the damage for Australia after recording his first five-wicket haul (5/27).
The Aussies posted a massive 575/8 declared in reply as opener David Warner set the tone with 200 in his 100th Test, while Alex Carey (111) also scored a century.
South Africa managed just 204 in their second digs, with Temba Bavuma (65) the only batter to offer any sort of resistance as they lost by an innings and 182 runs.
SA skipper Dean Elgar admits they have been nowhere near good enough with the bat of late and feels inexperience at the highest level is affecting performances.
"Not easy at the moment, [it] was a bit of a hammering that," Elgar confessed. "We have to come up to speed to the intensity Test cricket deserves.
"We were good in periods, but it is not a lot. The inexperience is hitting us hard. We have lost a lot of batters in the last few years. There is opportunities for guys to make their spots their own, but the inexperience is hurting us.
"Lot to play for, lot to ride on. 2-1 sounds better than 3-0. We have not been up to speed and have to move on pretty quickly."
Australia captain Pat Cummins, who took just one wicket in the second Test, said the resounding victory was a special way of paying tribute to the late Shane Warne on his home ground.
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"The win is right up there. We have had a number of great contests against South Africa over the years. It's really sweet and something to be proud of," Cummins declared.
"The way the two veterans of our side, David Warner and Steve Smith batted in the heat was as gutsy a performance in the heat. And then for [Mitchell] Starc to bowl through injury, and Green to bat like that - we are really proud of that effort.
"Warner's energy was great and to do it in his 100th Test was great. The Boxing Day is a huge event and this year even more special celebrating Warnie."
Head-to-Head (Tests)
Matches - 100
Australia - 54
South Africa - 26
Draws - 20
Test Team Rankings
1 - Australia
4 - South Africa
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