Washout douses hopes of Australia sweep

Only 86.2 overs have been bowled in first three days

Rain appears to have scuttled Australia’s hopes of sweeping their series 3-0 over the West Indies after a third-day washout in the third and final Test yesterday.

The entire day was lost through rain, with the tourists on 248 for seven in their first innings and a total of 86.2 overs bowled in the first three days at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The only chance of a result seems to be some creative declarations from rival captains Steve Smith and Jason Holder, but Windies coach Phil Simmons said the weather would have the final say.

“I think we need to see how much play we get tomorrow first,” Simmons told reporters.

“One side is telling me there is showers again in the morning and now I’ve just heard there may be showers in the afternoon too so we’ve just got to see what happens tomorrow then we go from there.”

With no action to speak about on the field, Simmons was asked if there was a light at the end of the tunnel for his beleaguered team after two heavy Test defeats in Hobart and Melbourne.

“I think we have seen in the last three days of cricket [including Melbourne] we’ve had, we’ve improved and our batting seems to be thinking about it more and fighting a little bit harder to not give the Aussies wickets,” he said.

“There is a lot of light [at the end of the tunnel] with the players and I think you can mention [Kraigg and Carlos Brathwaite] because they have got runs.

“The way how [Darren] Bravo has batted in all the Test matches. The way [Rajendra] Chandrika has looked. He hasn’t gone on to a big score but the way he looked early on.”