Australia had the better of a shortened day to open the third Test against South Africa, as Sydney’s traditional New Year cloud cover ensured only 47 overs were bowled. An early tea break was called for bad light, with rain to follow, leaving the score at 138-1, before four more overs late in the day finished at 147-2. Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne put on 126 of those in concert, with Khawaja ending on 54 not out and Labuschagne out from the last ball of the day for 79, having earlier survived a contentious umpiring decision.
Both teams rejigged their line-ups anticipating a turning surface. South Africa swapped pace bowler Lungi Ngidi for off-spinner Simon Harmer, while bringing in reserve wicketkeeper Heinrich Klaasen to bat at three after Theunis de Bruyn headed home early for the birth of his child. Josh Hazlewood replaced Scott Boland in the pace ranks, while Australia chose Ashton Agar not in an all-rounder’s position but as one of four bowlers in Mitchell Starc’s place, partnering Nathan Lyon as a second spinner.
