The Hindu : Sport / Cricket : Rain frustrates South Africa

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Friday, Jan 06, 2006

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Rain frustrates South Africa

SYDNEY: Herschelle Gibbs' dashing 67 ended in a run-out just before rain set in on Thursday as the third cricket Test between Australia and South Africa headed for a draw. After the start was delayed an hour because of showers, play was restricted to less than 21 overs on the penultimate day.

Australia, which won last week's second Test at Melbourne by 184 runs, is now heavily favoured to salvage a draw at the Sydney Cricket Ground and hold on for a 1-0 series win.

South Africa resumed at four for one and lost captain Graeme Smith (5) to a contentious lbw decision to Glenn McGrath after seven deliveries, making the score six for two. Gibbs and Jacques Kallis combined in an 86-run stand to restore the innings and South Africa's chances of pushing for a win.

But only 5.5 overs were possible between lunch and tea intervals and stumps were pulled without a ball being bowled in the evening session. South Africa was 94 for three, an overall lead of 186 runs, with Kallis unbeaten on 14.

Chance to win

All-rounder Shaun Pollock said the South Africans were prepared to risk losing the series 2-nil in pursuit of a series-levelling win on Friday. "It boils down to we just really want to give ourselves a chance to win," he said. "We'll try and get as many runs as quickly as we can and then give ourselves enough overs to get them out.

Arthur's contention

South Africa coach Mickey Arthur said umpires erred on three lbw calls in favour of the host on Wednesday.

South Africa's frustrations intensified when Smith was adjudged leg-before after a McGrath ball hit him well above the knee roll with the addition of only two runs to the overnight score.

Arthur reportedly faced sanctions from the International Cricket Council for making comments about the umpires and was meeting Broad later on Thursday. The forecast was for more showers during the day and possible storm around the SCG on Friday. — AP

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