Staff Reporter.
Opener David Warner brought up a stunning test century to put Australia in the lead at tea on day two of the second test, with the hosts sitting on 231 for 2 at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Tuesday.
Resuming after lunch on 136 for 2, Warner and Steve Smith continued their third-wicket partnership as they steered Australia to a 42-run lead.
The Proteas’ bowling attack had no answer to the cricket on display, as Warner and Smith had an unbeaten partnership of 156 runs.
Warner, who is playing in his 100th test, silenced his critics to bring up his 25th test century as he scored his first ton since 2020.
Warner, who also surpassed 8 000 test runs, remains unbeaten on 135 off 207 balls.
Meanwhile, Smith brought up his 37th test half-century as he currently stays on 60 not out off 129 balls.
Only one wicket fell on Day 2 thus far, as Australia lost Marnus Labuschagne, who was undone by an unfortunate run out.
Warner pushed through the covers for a quick single, but an overthrow from Dean Elgar sent the two batters into confusion as they pushed for a second.
Warner had already turned for the second as Labuschagne hesitated and responded late with the throw backed up by Keshav Maharaj, with Anrich Nortje throwing the stumps.
Labuschagne departed for 14 off 35 balls, with Smith walking into the middle.
AUSTRALIA: David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland
SOUTH AFRICA: Dean Elgar (capt), Sarel Erwee, Theunis de Bruyn, Temba Bavuma, Khaya Zondo, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi.