Match Details
Date: 04-08 January 2023
Time : 5 AM IST
Venue : Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
Ball-by-ball commentary : SportsTiger App
Preview
Australia have already claimed the three-match Test series, winning the first two. But the Pat Cummins-led team will be looking for a clean sweep as it will consolidate their place in the World Test Championship Final. Meanwhile, South Africa desperately need to win the third Test if they are still looking to qualify for the WTC Final. The Proteas have not been at their best as they have suffered one-sided defeats in both games. Now, with only one game left to keep them in the hunt, the Dean Elgar-led side will give in all.
Pitch Report
Sydney is known to be a good batting wicket, with the spinners coming into the picture on day 4 and 5 of a Test match. It doesn't offer the true bounce of the Gabba or the raw pace of the WACA but turns, which ensures spinners have one venue in Australia to look forward to rolling their arm over.
Team Analysis
Australia
Australia have been formidable so far in the series. While bowlers sealed the deal for the hosts in the first Test, the batters put on a show in Brisbane to help the team take an unassailable lead. Australia have been hit with injuries as Mitchell Starc and Cameron Green have been ruled out (with finger injuries). But this gives Australia a chance to include Ashton Agar and Josh Hazlewood for the final fixture. Meanwhile, batting will still depend on the likes of David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, and Travis Head. But Usman Khawaja will also have to make a big contribution.
SportsTiger Playing XI of Australia
David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Alex Carey (wk), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood
South Africa
South Africa have just not been able to put up a fight. While they suffered a defeat by six wickets in the first Test, the Dean Elgar-led side were crushed by an inning and 182 runs in the second Test. South Africa have faced problems in every department. While the likes of Rassie van der Dussen and Dean Elgar have not performed to their reputation, Keshav Maharaj and Lungi Ngidi have failed to make their presence felt. Now, with the third Test set to be played at the SCG, South Africa will push for a win and Elgar will hope that his players step up to the challenge.
SportsTiger Playing XI of South Africa
Dean Elgar (c), Sarel Erwee, Heinrich Klaasen, Temba Bavuma, Khaya Zondo, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi
Match Prediction
Conclusion
South Africa have looked pale in the two Tests so far. Also, the Dean Elgar-led team does not have the required resources to beat Australia. So, the hosts will once again be the favourites to win.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the author’s point of view. They neither reflect the opinion of SportsTiger nor advise anyone to make any prediction based on this. SportsTiger does not assume any responsibility and liability for the same.
