South Africa struggle as Australia smell victory in Sydney Test

by Sanjay Jha | January 6, 2009 at 10:04 pm

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Dashing the hope of the visitors on the last day Early wickets have put Australia in a commanding position against South Africa on the final day of the third and final Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) here on Wednesday.

Peter Siddle struck after tea to dismiss Paul Harris as South Africa, chasing 376 to win, were reduced to 202-8.

The visitors who have already clinched the three-match series 2-0, seem to be missing their inspiring captain Graeme Smith who is down with an injury to his hand.

Peter Siddle has taken two wickets after lunch to put Australia within sight of victory on the final day of the third Test against South Africa at the SCG.

Chasing 376 to win and claim a 3-0 series sweep against Ricky Ponting's side, South Africa are praying for rain at 7-193 at the tea break.

Tailenders Paul Harris (5) and Dale Steyn (0) are at the crease.

Hashim Amla (59) and AB De Villiers (56) scored half-centuries for the Proteas.

Jacques Kallis departure caught and bowled by Andrew McDonald and Mark Boucher's bizarre lbw dismissal were both decisions that could easily have gone the other way.

New Zealand umpire Billy Bowden had referred McDonald's low catch to TV umpire Rod Tucker of Australia who instructed Bowden to give Kallis his marching orders before lunch for four.

It was a massive blow to South Africa's hopes of claiming cricket's top ranking by sweeping the three-match series.