The rain-blighted third Test ended in the inevitable draw, with some final-day fireworks from David Warner to lift fans’ spirits.
Australia had already secured its grip on the Frank Worrell Trophy, so the torrential rain that plagued the Sydney Test had little impact beyond restricting the series victory to 2-0 rather than the whitewash captain Steve Smith fancied. Day one saw the only full day of cricket. The remaining four were either washed out or rain-affected.
The West Indies, having won the toss, elected to bat and finished the day strongly on 260 runs for the loss of 7 wickets. The Brathwaite brothers were the team’s top scorers, Kraigg accumulating a a solid 85 off 174 balls and Carlos collecting 69 off 71.
Although days three and four were abandoned because of heavy rain, fans pitched up in numbers to mark Pink Day, raising funds and awareness of Breast Cancer. Daphne Benaud, wife of the late Australian cricket captain and commentator Richie Benaud, attended the annual Pink High Tea in the Members’ Lounge.
Play resumed on day five, when the West Indies were finally dismissed early in the afternoon for 330 runs, their highest score of the series. The Australian spinners, Nathan Lyon and debutant Stephen O’Keefe, collected three wickets each.
With little to play fo except entertainment and fun, David Warner set about giving the spectators something to cherish, smashing the Sydney Cricket Ground’s fastest Test century. He reached his century in 82 balls, going on to score 122 runs off 103 balls, including 11 fours and two sixes. The match closed with Australia on 176 for 2, Warner and Burnes having delivered a century opening partnership. Warner’s record century earned him the man of the match award.
Veteran Adam Voges was presented with the inaugural Richie Benaud Medal for player of the series for his 375 runs in two innings without dismissal. The medal, to be awarded in series between Australia and the West Indies, was presented by Daphne Benaud. – Jesse Mullens
Photo of the Australian Cricket team with the Frank Worrell Trophy from WWOS’s Facebook page.
About the author
I am the sports editor for the Macleay Newsroom. I enjoy cooking and watching sport intently.
