Khawaja made to wait as day three washed out

Australia's bid to secure a series sweep over South Africa and a guaranteed spot in the World Test Championship final has been dealt a blow, with day three of third NRMA Insurance Test rained out.

After 57 overs were lost to bad weather across the opening two days at the SCG, no play was possible on Friday under Sydney's grey skies before stumps was called early

Australia had been 4-475 when rain stopped play on day two, with Usman Khawaja unbeaten on 195 and nearing a maiden Test double century.

That had set the stage for Australia to bat big in the first innings and eye a potential follow-on scenario if they were able to roll through South Africa cheaply.

That now looks like it will be the only chance for Australia to claim a victory.

Captain Pat Cummins admitted earlier this summer the follow-on was close to dead in Test cricket, unless rare circumstances prevailed.

The Sydney Test could fit that bill given the weather, with no Test after it for another month and Australia's twin-spin attack allowing for the majority of the workload to be shared by slower bowlers.

The big wet has also raised further questions over the timing of the annual Sydney Test.

Friday's abandonment marked the 26th day completely washed out in the SCG's Test history, far more than any other venue in Australia.

Six of the past seven Tests have been impacted by rain, while poor light has also become an issue in recent years.

January is historically a wetter month in Sydney than November and December, but Cricket Australia officials have indicated moving the Test is not on the cards.

So renowned has the match become for rain in recent years, this year's Test has included sponsor's logos on the covers.

Officials also moved some of the pink Jane McGrath charity activities to day four of the match, when some better weather is expected.

If the match does end in a stalemate, it would end South Africa's run of 46 matches without a draw, with their last coming in March 2017.

Men's NRMA Insurance Test Series v South Africa

First Test: Australia won by six wickets

Second Test: Australia won by an innings and 182 runs

Jan 4-8: Third Test, SCG, 10.30am AEDT

Australia squad: Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Lance Morris, Nathan Lyon, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, David Warner

South Africa squad: Dean Elgar (c), Temba Bavuma, Gerald Coetzee, Theunis de Bruyn, Sarel Eree, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Heinrich Klaasen, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams, Khaya Zondo

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