Australia took an unassailable 2-0 series lead over Pakistan in the Boxing Day Test to retain the Benaud-Qadir Trophy off the back of a Pat Cummins masterclass.
However, there is still plenty to play for in the third and final match in Sydney, with David Warner’s red ball swansong arriving at the SCG as the Aussies look to start 2024 off on the right foot.
In Melbourne, a significant rain delay caused some concern around if a result would be achievable due to poor conditions. Although, for the second time in the series, the match was all wrapped up by day four.
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The Sporting News provides the weather forecast for the New Year’s Test below.
Australia vs. Pakistan weather forecast: Latest Sydney rain updates for the New Year’s Test at SCG
After the opening Test of the summer went off without a hitch weather-wise in Perth, the conditions were slightly less accommodating in Melbourne.
Attention now turns to the SCG, where 25 days of Test cricket have been cancelled to date due to adverse weather conditions.
On day one, play was uninterrupted during the three sessions with the Aussies removing Pakistan for 313, before closing on 0-6 at stumps.
After Australia battled through nearly two tough sessions on day two, play was abruptly stopped due to bad light.
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During their time off the field, rain then started to fall which eventually saw play abandoned with the Aussies on 2-116, still trailing by 197 runs.
Australia vs. Pakistan: Day-by-day Sydney forecast for third Test
The Bureau of Meteorology has forecast the following conditions for the Test match at the SCG:
Friday, January 5 (Day 3)
Cloudy with a medium chance of showers, most likely in the morning (0-1mm). Winds of up the 30km/h are also expected. Max of 25 degrees.
Saturday, January 6 (Day 4)
Cloudy with a slight chance of showers (0-1mm). Max of 25 degrees.
Sunday, January 7 (Day 5)
Partly cloudy with a 10 per cent chance of showers (0-1mm). Max of 28 degrees.
