Vicious Pat Cummins has Australia primed to break SCG curse against South Africa
A frightening Pat Cummins spell has given Australia a real shot at breaking its 20-wicket SCG curse, despite losing a full day’s play to rain. Re-live all the day four action here.
Ferocious Pat Cummins has taken the final Test into his own hands, after an explosive spell blew open Australia’s bid to avoid a repeat of the dreaded Sydney stalemate syndrome.
Fellow quick Josh Hazlewood believes taking 14 wickets to win the rain-sodden Test on the final day is not mission impossible, with Cummins leading from the front like a man possessed as Australia push to not only win, but book a cherished place in the World Test Championship final at The Oval later this year.
South African bowling all-rounder Marco Jansen (10 not out off 33) may regret saying two days before the Test that toughness can be standing firm and taking four or five hits on the body, because it appears Cummins may have read those comments.
Cummins came around the wicket to launch a brutal bodyline assault on Jansen, who, to his credit, stood firm despite having to wear several of the blows he pre-empted.
In the past two Sydney Tests against India and England, Australia has fallen agonisingly short of rounding up the wickets needed for victory, and it will take a huge effort to break the curse on Sunday, with spinners Nathan Lyon and Ashton Agar identified as the key men to follow in the skipper’s wake.
“The wicket after a bit of traffic down it looked quite nice with Gazza (Lyon) bowling into that rough,” Hazlewood said.
“I think Ash and Gazza, it’s a big day tomorrow for them with the ball spinning with lefties and righties for them both to work with.”
South Africa were on the precipice at 6-149 at stumps, and Australia will push hard to enforce the follow-on as early as possible on day five before trying to make the Proteas crumble again within the minimum of 98 overs that are left.
And it’s all there to play for.
Australia can move one step closer to officially being crowned as the kings of Test cricket, if victory can be attained.
Cummins (3-29) knows victory in the rain-sodden SCG Test would all-but guarantee Australia a place in their first ever WTC Final in June, and when the covers were finally lifted on day four and the innings declared at 4-475, the skipper and fast bowling spearhead took the bull by the horns in a classic performance.
If Cummins and his bowlers can conjure a Sydney day five miracle against South Africa, Australia would be in such a position of strength on the WTC table that not even a 4-0 loss to India in India next month would stop them qualifying for the final.
However, to do so, Australia must vanquish its day five demons at the SCG, with Cummins and Josh Hazlewood as the only quicks.
Although it looked like Australia would have loved to have Scott Boland bowling on that day four wicket in fading light, Hazlewood said the team had the right attack to roll through South Africa despite the weather obstacles.
“I think it’s the right call. It would have been interesting to see the wicket after a full four days’ play, I think it would have been a nice wicket to bowl spin on,” Hazlewood said.
“And I still think it will be. With a lot more traffic on it … I think it’s the right attack and I think the ball spinning into the bat is more dangerous.”
South African batsman Khaya Zondo implied his team should not have been out there to face Cummins’ terrifying spell in what he felt was bad light – and he was also filthy at being given out lbw when he felt there was a spike on snicko to an arrowing Cummins’ delivery.
This year’s Test against South Africa is of course very different to the draws against India and England, because rain has robbed Australia of nearly two and a half days play this year.
Australia backed in a sixth specialist batsman in Matt Renshaw to combat what they felt would be an old school SCG wicket that would make run-scoring difficult as the match went on. But rain has changed everything, and after Renshaw was required to face only 11 balls, Cummins may now wish he did have Boland at his disposal to cash in on a deck that was offering him and Hazlewood plenty.
England’s Baz Ball revolution has put subliminal pressure on Australia to play an aggressive brand of cricket which risks losing to win.
Cummins refuses to bow to anyone else’s style, but his approach is attacking enough, with the proof in the pudding his tough call to declare on Usman Khawaja who was left stranded by the buckets of rain on 195 not out, missing out of a maiden career double century.
However, Lyon’s presence alone gives Australia a massive sniff on the final day.
Some commentators at the SCG felt Lyon bowled one of the best deliveries of his career to claim the wicket of opener Sarel Erwee with one that that stayed straight and dumbfounded the South African and was desperately unlucky not to have a second when Jansen refused to offer a shot to one that was clipping, only to be given not out and survive on umpire’s call.
Even though the rain has robbed this Sydney wicket of the opportunity to break up as it otherwise might have in good conditions, Lyon is still the key man in Australia’s hunt for glory.
RE-LIVE AN INCREDIBLE DAY FOUR AT THE SCG
6.20PM: STUMPS - AUSTRALIA NEEDS 14 WICKETS TO WIN
Thank the cricketing gods that the weather finally came good.
Because with the cricket back, the SCG was pumping again. Nearly 20,000 people lobbed for Thursday’s play.
A washed-out first session gave way to wicket-strewn sessions thereafter, and one of the best spells of bowling you could ever want to see from Pat Cummins.
At stumps, after an Australian declaration that robbed Usman Khawaja of a chance at scoring a Test double-century, South Africa are 6-149.
They’ve lost wickets at regular intervals, and need to pass 275 to force Australia to bat again - a result that would almost certainly kill the game.
But if Australia can claim the final four wickets, and are bold enough to enforce the follow-on, there’s a chance tomorrow could be an incredible day of Test cricket.
Cummins’ Australia definitely won’t die wondering.
5.53PM: CUMMINS DELIVERING ALL-TIME SPELL
One of the great spells here from Pat Cummins - who adds another scalp in a truly terrifying couple of overs.
Cummins has 3-23 following the removal of Verreynne from a beautiful delivery that is fended away to Steve Smith, who takes a fine low catch at second slip.
He has 2-8 in this spell, and has peppered the South African middle order. It’s been brutal and beautiful at the same time.
Verreynne has been South Africa’s most competent batsmen across the series and loomed as the biggest threat to Australia going for a quick kill in the first innings.
5.45PM: ‘NASTY’ CUMMINS PEPPERS PROTEAS, LYON DUDDED
Marco Jansen is taking an absolute beating here from Pat Cummins.
The Australian skipper is bowling absolute heat, and all back of a length against the tall all-rounder.
Jansen has been hit on the arm and in the chest as Cummins peppers him with bouncers.
“This is really nasty stuff here, from Pat Cummins,” Guha.
“Incredibly courage being shown by Marco Jansen.”
Meanwhile, Nathan Lyon can count himself incredibly unlucky after Marco Jansen pads up to a Nathan Lyon ball that is going on to hit the stumps.
A pleading Lyon is denied by the umpire.
Jansen has been hit outside the line but is not offering a shot, and Australia quickly turn to DRS.
It confirms the ball is turning back enough to take a piece of off stump - but not enough to overturn the decision.
But how can you get umpire’s call without offering a shot? Hard done by.
5.35PM: WICKET! CUMMINS GET MASSIVE LATE WICKET
Postman Pat! He always delivers.
That’s a gem of a yorker, dipping late and sneaking under the bat before thudding into the pads.
Zondo immediately reviews - he believes he’s hit it - and appears genuinely shocked when the decision is not overturned.
He sees three reds and departs for 39.
It’s up to Verreynne and Marco Jansen to steer South Africa to stumps. They’re 5-130. There’s 10 overs remaining.
5.25PM: HALF-CHANCES DON’T LAND FOR AUSTRALIA
Two half-chances in the space of two deliveries for Nathan Lyon - but neither would be considered a gimme by any stretch.
Khaya Zondo lifts Lyon into the outfield where Matt Renshaw is waiting on the hook. He doesn’t pick it up at first and is on his heels a touch, and by the time he recovers the ball lands too far in front.
The very next ball, Kyle Verreynne pulls Lyon towards midwicket. Ashton Agar is stationed at short mid-wicket and nearly takes a one-handed screamer above his head.
But it can’t quite stick, and Lyon can’t add to his one scalp so far.
5.15PM: GLOOM RETURNS TO SCG HEADING INTO FINAL HOUR
We’re heading into what is likely the final hour of play, with 14 overs remaining.
Officially, play is scheduled to finish at 6pm but a further half hour is allowed to finished the allotted overs - and that’s always used, in the seam-heavy Australian attacks.
The clouds overhead are definitely on the darker side right now, and you wonder if the might flick the lights on. Although behind this bank of dark clouds are some patches of almost blue sky.
Play on, perhaps.
Anyway, it’s drinks! And South Africa are 4-112. Zondo is unbeaten on 31, Verreynne unbeaten on 7.
And.... of course. There’s the lights. Right on cue.
4.43PM: WICKET! HAZLEWOOD BREAKS THE PARTNERSHIP
Pat Cummins brought back his star option, and Josh Hazlewood wasted no time to deliver.
He has 2-11 after baiting Temba Bavuma into a feather through to Alex Carey. Good length, the ball tails away a touch at the end and Bavuma is sent packing for 35.
A steady partnership comes to an end with South Africa 4-85.
Verreyne comes in, and this feels like a crucial partnership. The tail starts next. And it hasn’t provided much support this summer.
Australia will smell blood in the water again... and Cummins’ captaincy gets another tick.
“Pat Cummins has got it right. A quick look at a few spinning options, then straight back to Hazlewood and he just built it up so perfectly,” says Adam Gilchrist on Fox Cricket.
4.35PM: AUSSIES FLAT AFTER TEA
Australia look to be lacking a bit of energy after the tea break - with Nathan Lyon and Ashton Agar, with a little bit of Travis Head, operating from both ends, and not much really happening.
With so much time lost in this Test there’s no time for let the game meander, and at the moment Bavuma and Zondo are getting into a comfortable groove.
It’s been a flat 20 minutes and Pat Cummins has seen enough: he is bringing back his chief weapon, Josh Hazlewood.
4.10PM: WATCH: TRAVIS HEAD’S BRAIN FADE
Travis Head, what were you thinking? #AUSvSA
— News Cricket (@NewsCorpCricket) January 7, 2023
Follow live: https://t.co/nbHXYI0r82pic.twitter.com/Fo7YeQMKoE
3.55PM: TEA: PROTEAS STEM BLEEDING AFTER HORROR START
After two days waiting, it was nice to actually have some cricket - and that was an interesting 31-over session.
South Africa, through Temba Bavuma mainly, have fought back after a horror start. But the start was to bad that it is still comfortably Australia’s session.
The tourists are 3-71 and will be fairly confident of making it through to stumps tonight - which would go a long way towards securing a draw late on Sunday night.
Each of Australia’s frontline bowlers - Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon - took a wicket, while Ashton Agar made his return to the Test arena.
Plenty of overs remaining for significant twists and turns, however!
3.25PM: WATCH: LYON BAMBOOZLES ERWEE
Straight through him! 😂 pic.twitter.com/iaLX22wAvz
— News Cricket (@NewsCorpCricket) January 7, 2023
3.15PM: WICKET! SOUTH AFRICA IN TATTERS EARLY
It’s the same old story for South Africa. Their top order is in tatters and Australia are absolutely on fire.
Pat Cummins unsettles Heinrich Klaasen (2) with a well-directed short ball at the body.
Klaasen takes evasive action, and gloves a chance to Alex Carey.
And just like that, South Africa are 3-37. A reminder that they need to score 275 to force Australia to bat again.
“They look like they’re going to take a wicket every single ball,” says Mike Hussey on Fox Cricket.
The good news for the Proteas is the bulk of the time spent at the crease has come from their middle order. The top order, and tail, have been largely diabolical.
3.10PM: WICKET! LYON EMBARRASSES ERWEE
Oh my WORD!
South Africa are two down, and that one will be a tough replay to watch for Sarel Erwee, who shoulders arms to Nathan Lyon’s arm ball and shakes his head after hearing the death rattle.
Lyon has been doing this for a decade in international cricket, just tempting and teasing and finding the line for his opponent.
He works over Erwee beautifully, with the South African opener leaving a straight one and left stunned as it cannoned into the top of off-stump.
He departs for 18 from 55.
3.00PM: LYON-HEARTED EFFORT REQUIRED
15 overs down, and we’re getting a bit of a feel of how big a workload Nathan Lyon is going to have to shoulder over the next two days.
Lyon replaced Pat Cummins in just the eighth over and there’s no doubt that he will play a huge role in Australia’s pursuit of victory over the weekend.
At the Paddington End, Josh Hazlewood churned through six straight overs before Cummins returned to give him a rest.
It seems like Lyon will take up residence at the Randwick End, while Cummins will rotate the quicks down the other end. Does that leave Ashton Agar also operating from the Paddington End?
One thing is for sure, I suspect Lyon will have a very sore shoulder by Sunday night.
South Africa are 1-31.
2.38PM: AUSSIES FAIL WITH REVIEW IN ODD MANNER
Does Hazlewood have two?
He thinks he’s trapped Heinrich Klaasen in front, and it looks a decent shout buy he can’t convince umpire Gaffaney.
There’s two noises - Klaasen hitting his pad - before the ball thuds into the pads.
After a lengthy wait to confirm that there was no inside edge, the decision of not out stands. They never went to use ball-tracker. Although it appeared to be hitting outside the line, so the right decision nonetheless.
2.27PM: WICKET! HAZLEWOOD DELIVERS
Dean Elgar’s horror summer is almost over - falling victim to Josh Hazlewood, who has been absolutely outstanding in his return from injury.
He’s spent five overs working over the South African captain, before sending down a brutish bouncer which Elgar fends up high and into the gloves of Alex Carey.
He falls for 15, failing to make the most of his second life following the contentious Steve Smith non-catch.
It’s not been a fun summer for Elgar.
Australia has their first of 20.... and South Africa are 1-22.
One down, 19 to go for the Aussies! #AUSvSApic.twitter.com/ZbV5rUHG5E
— News Cricket (@NewsCorpCricket) January 7, 2023
2.17PM: YOUR SAY: OUT OR NOT OUT?
What say you, dear readers? Out or not out?
Straight in the hands? Or take a chunk of turf?
Has Steve Smith been robbed? Or was the right call made?
Watch below and have your say.
Out or not out - what's your verdict? 🧠pic.twitter.com/Hxx8vec2QK
— News Cricket (@NewsCorpCricket) January 7, 2023
2.07PM: HERE WE GO AGAIN... MORE CATCH DRAMA!
Death by a thousand replays.
Only this time, it is Australia who are left ropeable - with Dean Elgar surviving a strong appeal and dozens of replays on a contentious Steve Smith catch off Josh Hazlewood.
It appeared Smith had taken a screamer at second slip, low and to his right as he scooped the fingers underneath the ball.
Elgar was on 6, but wasn’t in a mood for walking.
Of course, South Africa were furious after Marnus Labuschagne controversially survived on a questionable low catch claimed by Simon Harmer, with replays somewhat inconclusive.
Smith’s body language didn’t suggest he was super confident about claiming the catch and replays suggested he might’ve used the ground to stablise the ball in his hand.
Either way, Elgar escapes. And that’s a huge result for the Proteas, who desperately need a big innings from their skipper.
1.50PM: HAZLEWOOD WAKES UP SCG CROWD WITH DEMON OVER
It took just two balls for the demons in this pitch to be unearthed by Josh Hazlewood.
The returning Australian quick put a nice length ball through which reared up and caught the shoulder of the bat - flying just wide of Usman Khawaja, and travelling for four.
A fascinating opening over from Hazlewood, who beat Dean Elgar’s bat routinely and found the mark.
He could have an enormous workload to shoulder in his first game back from a sidestrain, should Australia attempt to win this match without batting again.
Does Australia have any regrets about picking Matt Renshaw at No.6, and sacrificing the fifth specialist bowler?
1.35PM: UPDATED PLAYING CONDITIONS
There will be 59 overs available for the remainder of today’s play. Based on their form in the past two Tests, that’s more than enough time to do some serious damage to the South African batting lineup.
Both innings in Brisbane were done and dusted long before the 59th over - while in Melbourne, they lost five (in the first innings) and six wickets before the 59 over mark.
The updated schedule for today’s play:
Middle session: 1.45pm-3.55pm
Tea: 3.55pm-4.15pm
Final session: 4.15pm-6pm (can go to 6.30pm, if unbowled overs remain)
1.25PM: KHAWAJA DENIED IN CRUEL SCG CURSE
- BEN HORNE
Usman Khawaja has joined Graeme Hick as the latest victim of the team before ton curse at the SCG.
Australia were desperate to let Khawaja get his double hundred and would have batted on had play been allowed to start in the morning on day four.
But further rain has taken additional time out of the match and forced Australian captain Pat Cummins to declare their innings with Khawaja stranded on 195 not out.
It would have been Khawaja’s first career double hundred and at age 36 he may not get another chance to join the rare 200 club.
However, so much time has been lost from the game that Cummins had little choice than to declare if Australia still wants to give themselves a chance to win the game.
Australia has declared at 4(d)-475 and need to take 20 wickets inside five sessions of cricket.
1.10PM: SCHEDULED START TIME CONFIRMED, AUSTRALIA DECLARE
We are not far off. We’re almost there.
After some rapid repairs to the edge of the wicket, play is now scheduled to resume at 1.45pm.
On top of that, Pat Cummins has declared Australia’s first innings at 4-475.
There was some repair work done to the pitch - to wet patches that were near the edge of the wicket, which were dug up and replaced.
Australia have arrived and are warming up in the outfield, knowing they have five sessions to claim 20 wickets.... and a series victory.
But there's plenty to come.
1PM: SUN SHINES, BUT RE-START NO CLOSER... YET
We’re potentially ten minutes away from resumption of play - lunch ends at 1.10pm - although we’ve not had any official word, yet.
And to be honest, there’s still a lot of vehicles, covers and just general staff standing around near the pitch without putting all of the stumps into the ground.
We’ve not had any confirmation of what the umpire’s pitch inspection brought up, but it doesn’t appear to have been a resounding success.
Because despite it having been sunny for the past hour, and lunch finishing momentarily, it doesn’t look like either team is being invited out into the middle to continue this Test.
Hold tight, we’ll get you an update as soon as we have one.
12.45PM: UMPIRES ASSESS PITCH AS PLAYERS TAKE LUNCH
Lunch was called as scheduled, at 12.30pm.
And the umpires have just had an inspection of the pitch - the results of which we’ll bring to you as soon as we know more.
But the sun is out, and there’s genuine, actual blue sky up above.
Ground staff have dragged the rope around the outfield to mop up as much water as possible and it very much feels like we’re getting on after lunch.
However the junior cricketers who were hoping to have their moment in the sun, with a hit on the outfield during the lunch break, have been denied that opportunity because of the damp conditions.
But they have been treated to a lap of honour around the SCG.
12PM: RAIN CLEARS AT THE SCG
There’s movement at the station - covers have been taken off and, dare I say it, it’s looking quite bright and - yes - rain-free.
There have been concerns about the wetness of the outfield, and also issues with drying some areas near the playing wicket.
But the umpires, Paul Reiffel and Chris Gaffaney, are out in the middle to have a look at things and should they give everyone the thumbs up we could be on after lunch barring another rainy set-back.
Think positive thoughts!
11.45AM: ‘PRETTY LOW’: RENSHAW REVEALS DEPTHS OF COVID
Matt Renshaw has revealed the depths of his bizarre Covid isolation during the SCG Test.
After going to the Australian team doctor with a scratchy throat and a feeling that he was suffering from hay fever symptoms, Renshaw was rattled having registered a positive Covid test - immediately fearing his Test comeback was dead in the water.
And then two days spent in a separate room, removed from the main playing group, put Renshaw in a ‘tough’ spot.
“I was a little worried about (being removed from the XI),” Renshaw told Fox Cricket.
“It would’ve been a great story to tell - but I’m just excited that i could get back and play.
“It’s a weird two days before you bat, not spending any time with anyone, sit on your own in your own dressing room. But it’s an interesting story I’ll be able to tell the grandkids.
“I was pretty low at that point. I thoguht I wouldn’t be able to do anything.
“I’m not great by myself at the best of times, and then add the nerves of a Test match... it was quite tough.”
11.15AM: IT GOES ON AND ON
I feel like Bill Murray, in that movie... The ground staff briefly raise the spirits of the crowd by removing the top cover.
As if by magic, this action immediately prompts a short burst of rain from the clouds above.
It’s literally a 90 second spritz, but its enough to force the covers back on.
If there are cricketing Gods, they’re playing a cruel game at the SCG this week.
Time is starting to run out for play to get underway before lunch - which means we could have an extended day’s play (barring, you know, more rain or bad light....)
10.40AM: FRESH PITCH DRAMA THREATENS SYDNEY TEST
- BEN HORNE
Not even the big NRMA Insurance covers could completely protect the SCG pitch from Sydney’s big wet.
There are concerns from groundstaff on Saturday morning that there is some dampness to the wicket after nearly 36 hours of consistent rain.
Groundstaff were using hair dryers to try and dry out patches on the run ups and around the pitch, as intermittent rain continues to stall the start of play on day four.
It’s understood the hessian covers protecting the pitch were wet from the rain which is threatening to turn the entire Test into a bust.
Australia appear prepared to bat on if play resumes, although it’s unknown if further delays will change that thinking with Usman Khawaja unbeaten on 195 and hoping for a double ton.
10.15AM: POSITIVE SIGNS AT THE SCG
The covers are off and players are out in the middle warming up. There’ll be an inspection in half an hour at 10.45, and barring any more rain or setbacks, we could have some actual cricket action within the hour.
And speaking of positives.... Matt Renshaw is no longer! He’s delivered a negative Covid test and has been able to properly rejoin his teammates this morning.
He’s taken part in the on-field warm-up games and is ready to bat on once play resumes. He’s 5 not out.
9.45AM: AUSTRALIA’S DAY FOUR TEST PLANS REVEALED
Whenever play gets underway this morning - and looking to be more likely an 11am start, rather than 10am, judging by the large covers still protecting the wicket from Sydney’s fickle weather - it seems like we know what Australia's plans are.
They are almost certain to continue to bat, judging by the sight of Matt Renshaw (5 not out) wandering to the indoor nets alongside a gloved-up Alex Carey on Saturday morning, as captured by CODE Sport’s Daniel Cherny.
Matt Renshaw and Alex Carey heading into the indoor nets. Australia set to bat on into the fourth morning. pic.twitter.com/sWMXy5cSX6
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) January 6, 2023
The thinking behind this is two-fold.
Usman Khawaja, on 195, is on the verge of a maiden Test double century. He said after play last night it would be ‘harsh’ if captain Pat Cummins left him stranded with a declaration.
But the bigger point is that it could be Australia’s best - and maybe only - avenue to victory, should Cummins willing to enforce the follow-on.
Adding another 75-100 runs would put South Africa’s brittle batting under pressure to avoid the follow on (requiring them to get within 200 of Australia’s first innings score).
Then it comes down to whether Australia can take 20 wickets across a day and a half.
9.30AM: RADAR PROMISING GOOD THINGS
Hello from the SCG for day four of the New Years Test!
The news is far more promising after yesterday’s disappointing wash-out - the 26th time a full day’s play has been lost in a Sydney Test. More than everywhere else in Australia combined.
It’s an ugly record to own.
And there is rain around this morning, and the dark clouds are hovering over the SCG, but the is better news on the radar where the rest of the day looks much clearer.
I suspect there’ll be cloud cover, but perhaps not the persistent rain that killed yesterday’s chances of any play.
Light may become a factor later in the day, but I think there’s a good chance at seeing a decent chunk of cricket today.
THE BIG-MONEY SNUB THAT MADE TRAVIS HEAD
- ROBERT CRADDOCK
Do the selectors owe Travis Head an apology or does he owe them a thank you?
Either way there seems no doubt one of the secret ingredients in the emergence of Head as a high class Test batsman was the sizzling spur of being dropped from the national contract list two years ago.
That was the year in which Australia experimented with a new theory of naming just 17 instead of 20 players.
Head’s revival is proof it’s a tactic they should use more often.
Rather than toss out a few soft contracts they decided to toss a few burrs on saddles by asking fringe players to earn their deals on the run.
Head was initially shattered. He was on a camping trip in the Flinders Range 450km north of Adelaide when the list was announced.
The selectors had urgently tried to contact him, initially without success, so they delayed the naming of the list for a day.
The truth was the selectors had always had plenty of affection for Head. They liked his naturally attacking bent but they felt he was drifting and not improving and was too loose outside off-stump. They wanted to do something to focus his thoughts and his game.
Since being dropped from the list Head has rebounded with some of the best form of his career on home shores.
He has sailed along at a blistering strike rate in Test series against England (357 at 59) the West Indies (312 at 156) and South Africa (213 at 53), scoring at just below a run a ball.
The soft spots were two series in Pakistan (68 at 22) and Sri Lanka (23 at seven) where his weaknesses against spin were exposed and it’s true that is the issue which must be addressed.
The four Test tour of India will be a fascinating challenge for Head but the very presence of Usman Khawaja in the side is a reminder of how players can improve against spin.
Early in his career Khawaja was regarded as a poor player of spin and there was a time when England tweaker Graeme Swann, who dismissed Khawaja five times, threatened to cost him his career.
But he worked feverishly in the nets to improve himself and is now one of Australia’s better players of spin.
South African spinner Keshav Maharaj noted in his day one press conference that the Khawaja he faced at the SCG was a different player from the one he confronted in 2018.
“He trusts his defence really well,’’ Maharaj said. “He knows his scoring opportunities. He has got really good hands. He is a different player to what he was four years ago.’’
There were times when Australia could have shown more faith in Khawaja and taken him on more tours but Australia has learnt from that and will try and let Head do his improvements on the run.
The results will define his career.
Watch Australia v South Africa. Every test match live and ad-break in play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Teen prodigy bolts into Test frame after shock call-up
A suite of fresh faces are poised to included in an Australia A squad that will take on India A later this month, with the country’s most promising batsman inching closer to a shock Test debut.
‘I’ll be half a chance’: Harris puts hand up for Aussie selection
Australian selectors will provide an early steer on potential replacements for Cameron Green when they unveil an Australia A squad, with a former Test opener appearing to be a good chance for selection.