The Australian Cricket Team ended the 2nd day in a commanding position of the 3rd Test match against visiting South Africa side played at Sydney Cricket Ground, SCG on 5 January 2023. Starting on the overnight score of 147 for 2, Steve Smith showed intent right from the word go along with Usman Khawaja.
Both Australian batters kept the momentum going with attacking shots to put pressure on South African bowlers. Smith completed a half-century off 95 balls while Khawaja also looked in great touch. Dean Elgar took the 2nd new ball immediately, but Smith and Khawaja looked solid. Australia went into lunch break at 266 for 2.
After the lunch break, Smith continued his magical run with attacking shots keeping the momentum going for Australia. Khawaja also completed a century off 206 balls. Smith and Khawaja put enough pressure on South African bowlers. Smith dominated the South African bowling completing his 30th Test century off 190 balls.
With this century, Steve Smith broke the record of Don Bradman of 29 centuries in Test matches. He was eventually dismissed at a score of 104 with a simple return catch to Keshav Maharaj. Smith and Khawaja put on 209 runs partnership for 3rd wicket.
Steve Smith became the 4th highest run-getter for Australia in Test
Steve Smith became the 4th highest run-getter for Australia in Test matches going past Michael Clarke. Travis Head continued his magical run with a quickfire 70 off 68 balls. Head and Khawaja added 112 runs for the 4th wicket. Usman Khawaja looked impressive with his shots remaining not out on 195 along with Matt Renshaw. Australia ended the 2nd day in a commanding position at 475 for 4 with rain halting the play.
Steve Smith made his Test debut in 2010. He has been the backbone of the Australian batting lineup in Test matches. In the 92 Test matches he played so far (162 innings), Smith has made 8647 runs at an average of 60.89. Out of 30 centuries, 4 of them have been converted into double centuries.
The best score in his Test match career for him so far has been 239. Smith will be key for Australia in the border Gavaskar series against India in Feb-March.
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