Australia vs South Africa: find out the key match-ups for the 3rd Test

In both Tests, Australia has been merciless, exposing South Africa’s batting fragility. In both Tests, Dean Elgar’s team failed to break 300. South Africa’s bowling has been impressive, but their efforts have been overshadowed by the batsmen. With only one Test remaining, the Proteas cannot expect a batting miracle. Elgar wants his boys to battle hard and remain in contention for the WTC championship race. Pat Cummins’ team, which won the series with an innings victory in Melbourne last week, can book a spot in the World T20 final at The Oval in June with a win at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Despite the unavailability of paceman Mitchell Starc and all-rounder Cameron Green due to finger injuries, Australia has ample depth and opportunities to experiment ahead of the four-test tour of India next month. Before the 3rd Test let us take a look at the key matchups.

Dean Elgar vs Pat Cummins

Elgar has struggled in this series and the Australian captain has already dismissed him twice in the series. If South Africa has to avoid a whitewash they need their captain to score runs.

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Usman Khawaja vs Kagiso Rabada

Rabada has had a middling series so far. He was outstanding on the first Test but was not at his affluent best on the 2nd Test. He has a good record against Khawaja so he would be looking to get South Africa to a good start in the final Test.

Nathan Lyon vs Temba Bavuma

Lyon has been an outstanding performer for Australia and he has been terrific in this series as well. He has taken some important breakthroughs through the series and is expected to have a massive impact at the SCG which is expected to offer assistance to the spinners.