‘You denied Khawaja’s 200 for a draw?’ – Fans react as 3rd Test between Australia and South Africa ends in draw

Australia and South Africa faced off in the third Test of the three-match series that kicked off on January 4, Wednesday, and much to the surprise of the fans, the match ended in a draw, with neither of the teams managing to pull off a result. To add more to the match, it was the Pat Cummins-led team who batted first after winning the toss and they declared at 474/4 with Usman Khawaja contributing 195 runs. 

Many opined that it was an unfair declaration from the Australian skipper as the southpaw was just 5 runs away from reaching the 200-run landmark. However, with only 2 days left in the game, a few of the other fans claimed that it was a fair call given that the teams play for a result and not for personal milestones. 

Australia fail to restrict South Africa on final day of final Test

However, many believed there was a tiny chance for the Australians to pull off a win as the Baggy Greens bowled out the mighty South Africans for 255 runs in the first innings. To add more, it was Josh Hazlewood who stood up for the team with his four-for, while skipper Cummins picked up a three-for to his name. 

While many hoped for a win from Australia, much to the dolefulness of the Australian fans, the match ended in a draw as they failed to bowl out the Proteas players within the deficit. However, the Australians won the series 2-0 and cemented their place further in the summit clash of the Test championship.

“I think over the next two years we only have 12 [Tests] to play. Years ago we played 12 a year, which was nice. You have to play every Test as if it’s your last, whether you get six, eight, 10 Tests a year, you have to make the utmost of those opportunities. We need to throw everything at it, whether it’s six or 14. Every game needs to be played like it’s your last,” skipper Dean Elgar was quoted as saying prior to the start of the game. 

Fading Tests from the South African nation might be one of the reasons for South Africa’s continued defeats. The team would hope to bounce back in the next cycle of the Test championship and prove their prowess, eventually giving it their all to play the finals of the next edition. 

Here’s how fans have reacted to the third Test between Australia and South Africa: