Aus vs SA 3rd Test | Rain washes out Day 3, dampening Australia's hopes of series sweep

After rain and bad light delays across he first two days of the third Test between Australia and South Africa, consistent rain on day three meant no play was possible at all

Inclement weather threatens to derail Australia’s bid of a series clean sweep against South Africa and a confirmed place in the World Test Championship final as the third and final Test against South Africa at Sydney Cricket Ground appears destined for a draw.

After rain and bad light delays across he first two days, consistent, and at times heavy, rain meant no play was possible at all on Friday. It left Australia unable to add to its imposing first-innings score of 475-4 and Usman Khawaja stranded on his overnight score of 195 and tantalizingly close to his first double century.

Australia now has the dilemma of deciding how many runs it needs and then how much time it needs to bowl out South Africa twice to win in the two remaining days on a pitch not yet offering the expected assistance for the spinners.

Consistent rain swept through the Sydney area from early Friday morning and the gaps in the rainfall where not sufficient for ground staff to prepare the field and the match to resume. Shortly after the scheduled tea break, umpires abandoned the day's play.

The forecast appears more favorable for the final two days of the Test, although some light showers are forecast for Saturday.

Australia has already won the series after two crushing defeats in the first two tests at Brisbane and Melbourne.

A win for Australia in this third Test would confirm its place in the World Test Championship final to be played at Lord’s in England in June this year.