Australia vs South Africa third Check 2023 day 5 LIVE cricket scores, highlights, outcomes, newest updates, movies | Usman Khawaja advised Pat Cummins to declare after rain delayed begin

Usman Khawaja stated it was the incessant Sydney rain that stranded him shy of a maiden double-ton, relatively than any “harsh” choice by skipper Pat Cummins.

Talking on Triple M after play, Khawaja stated had play began on time, the plan was all the time to proceed batting.

“The plan was all the time to bat within the morning. The rain was the one factor that was going to halt it – and it rained on the worst time,” he stated.

“Each time we thought we have been going to get on, a bit little bit of rain would come via. Then they took the covers off and there have been a couple of muddy patches. It simply stored getting much less possible and fewer possible (we’d bat).”

Khawaja stated he may see Cummins mulling over the choice because the day went on.

“I knew clearly Patty wished to bowl at some stage … earlier than he even got here as much as me and talked to me, I may type of learn the signal. 

“I actually simply went as much as him and went: ‘Patty, no matter it’s worthwhile to do to win this Check match, simply do it. I like taking part in for Australia and you understand if I am not taking part in this recreation to win this recreation, it might be mistaken for me to ask to go on the market for 2 or three overs and simply do what you’re feeling is correct.’

“I received in first. I do not need him to come back to me. I simply went: ‘Mate, you make the choice, take the emotion out of it and do what it’s worthwhile to do.’ I made the initiative to ensure I received as much as him first.”

Khawaja ended Australia’s first innings 195 not out.

South Africa will resume this morning at 6-149. Australia is an out of doors probability of victory on day 5. The primary job is to take the ultimate 4 first-innings wickets for lower than 126 runs to implement the follow-on.

(Josh Hazlewood celebrating after the wicket of Dean Elgar)