Marnus Labuschagne has been left to rue Sydney’s poor climate after being denied a fourth century of the summer time on a rain-interrupted opening day of the third Take a look at towards South Africa.
Labuschagne was caught behind for 79 from a vicious, rising ball from Anrich Nortje, earlier than gamers instantly left the sector for the second time for dangerous gentle with Australia 2-147 late within the day.
The proper-hander’s dismissal got here in a short four-over stint between delays, after greater than two hours had been misplaced in the midst of the day on account of rain and poor gentle.
Forty seven overs into the Take a look at, it already seems possible that the climate might current the largest hurdle for the hosts as they push for assured qualification within the World Take a look at Championship remaining with a win.
Poor climate has now affected six of the previous seven Exams on the SCG, with additional rain forecast later within the week.
Labuschagne had regarded in impeccable contact earlier than his exit, pulling and chopping his well past 50 as a part of a 135-run stand with Usman Khawaja (54no).
After being affected person within the first session, Labuschagne added 42 in his 53 balls after lunch as he took to Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj.
His solely different scare got here on 70 when he edged a ball off Marco Jansen and was given out on a comfortable sign, earlier than third umpire Richard Kettleborough deemed the ball had bounced earlier than reaching Simon Harmer.
South Africa was left livid and remonstrated with umpire Chris Gaffaney and Labuschagne, with the latter adamant the ball had bounced.
On the different finish, Khawaja turned the 27th Australian to go 4000 Take a look at runs as he continued on his merry approach on the SCG.
Now averaging greater than 100 on the floor, he pulled the ball properly and drove neatly by the covers.
Earlier, David Warner was the one Australian to fall within the opening session when he edged Nortje (2-26) to first slip on 10 as he chased a large supply.
Already up 2-Zero within the three-Take a look at collection, Australia has had extra issue off the sector than on it with Matt Renshaw testing constructive for COVID-19.
Recalled to the Take a look at workforce on Wednesday morning after 4 years out, the Queenslander reported feeling unwell earlier than the beginning of play.
He has since stored his distance from his teammates, however at this stage plans to proceed within the Take a look at whereas batting at No.6.
Peter Handscomb has been listed as an emergency fielder for the match, with him and Marcus Harris attainable choices to interchange Renshaw below ICC guidelines if he’s too unwell.
