AUS vs SA: Australia in ascendancy on Day 2 despite interruptions due to inclement weather

Day 2 of the third and final red-ball contest between the hosts Australia and South Africa witnessed yet another spell of showers at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) but other than that it saw complete dominance from the hosts. After concluding Day 1 with 147 runs on the board for the loss of two wickets, the Aussies continued to dictate terms with the bat as they put up 475 runs on the board at the end of Day 2. 

Opener Usman Khawaja registered a majestic century off 206 balls and concluded the day five runs shy off a double century (195* runs). The opener received valiant support from Steve Smith, who also added a ton (104 runs) to his name before getting dismissed to Keshav Maharaj. Travis Head who replaced Smith in the middle, joined the party as he swiftly hit the ground running.  

Khawaja continued to steer the side by carving out a delicate innings and stitched a 100-run partnership (112 runs) for the fourth wicket with Head. Head eventually got out while trying up the ante to pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada after scoring 70 off 59 deliveries. 

Showers continue to hamper Australia's dominance

Following the dismissal of Head, in came Matt Renshaw, who tested COVID-19 positive prior to the contest but was allowed to take the field. The batter immediately got off the mark with a boundary before the covers came on as the persistent drizzle intensified. 

With the drizzle coming down steadily, the umpires called for stumps on Day 2. With the showers playing spoilsport, it remains to be seen if the match would resume in full swing on Day 3 as more rain forecast is predicted for tomorrow. 

The Aussies will look to maintain the momentum and put up a competitive total before declaring the innings. Whereas, the visitors need to shift gears as the bowling unit will have to work in tandem to get major breakthroughs. Fans will hope for the contest to be played fully without interruptions when Day 3 resumes.  

Here is how Twitter reacted to Day 2 of the series finale between Australia and South Africa:

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