AUS vs SA: Erwee, Klaasen retaliate as South Africa avoid whitewash

Sarel Erwee in action [Source: AP]

Riding on gritty knocks from Sarel Erwee and Heinrich Klaasen, South Africa have managed to draw the third Test match against Australia in Sydney. However, the hosts, having an unassailable 2-0 lead, have clinched the series. 

The day began with South Africa stranded at 149 for six, still needing 127 runs to avoid the follow on. The unbeaten batters Marco Jansen and Simon Harmer showcased their determination to perfection, neutralising 15 overs of the first session before Travis Head dismissed the former for a 78-ball 11. 

However, the spin duo of Harmer and Keshav Maharaj stood tall for 26.4 more overs, negating the threat of a possible collapse effectively. While Harmer registered his highest Test score of 47, Maharaj slammed a counterattacking fifty before falling prey to Josh Hazlewood. 

After his departure, Harmer became Hazlewood's fourth victim as South Africa were bundled out for 255, being forced to follow on by the hosts. 

In the second innings, the Proteas lost their out-of-form skipper Dean Elgar cheaply. However, Sarel Erwee and Heinrich Klaasen steadied the ship, playing out 18.5 overs before the latter was cleaned up by Pat Cummins. 

Then, Erwee and Temba Bavuma ensured they had no further hiccups, as the visitors ensured a fighting draw at stumps on day 5. 

Brief Scores

Australia 1st inn: 475/4 dec (131)
Usman Khawaja 195*, Steve Smith 104
Anrich Nortje 2/55, Keshav Maharaj 1/108

South Africa 1st inn: 255 f/o (108)
Keshav Maharaj 53, Simon Harmer 47
Josh Hazlewood 4/48, Pat Cummins 3/60

South Africa 2nd inn: 106/2 (41.5)
Sarel Erwee 42* (125), Heinrich Klaasen 35 (61)
Josh Hazlewood 1/9, Pat Cummins 1/16

Match ended in a draw, Australia won the series by 2-0. 

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