Steve Smith breaks Don Bradman's huge record with his 30th Test century vs SA in 3rd Test
The third match of the three-match test series between Australia and South Africa is underway at the Sydney Cricket Ground. And the host is dominating. After winning the toss, Australia decided to bat first. Day 1 was cut short due to poor lighting.
And on Day 2, Australia had two centuries in their inning. Former Australian skipper Steve Smith went on to smash his 30th test century, which took him past the legendary Australian batsman Don Bradman. The right hander made 104 runs with 11 boundaries and two sixes during his inning.
Smith played a glorious putt shot off Anrich Nortje to reach his 30th test century and surpass Bradman's tally of 29 test centuries. But he got out of the game after reaching this milestone. Keshav Maharaj was the one who caught him on his own bowling.
Meanwhile, the veteran opener Usman Khawaja also scored his 13th test century and led his team to a strong position. The Australian team is in full control and looking to get a big score in their first inning.
On the other hand, Smith also became the fourth-highest run scorer for his country in the longest format. He overtook former Australian skipper Michael Clarke (8643) and now has scored 8647 runs in 92 games at an average of 60.89.
He is only behind Ricky Ponting (13378), Alan Border (11174), and Steve Waugh (10927) as the highest test-run scorers in Australia's history. Meanwhile, Ponting (41) and Waugh (32) have scored more test centuries than him in the longest format of the game. Smith added a big partnership of 209 runs with Khawaja for the third wicket.
The left-hander is also looking good for his double century. He added another 112 runs with Travis Head for the fourth wicket. Head played a quick cameo of 70 runs off 59 balls, with eight fours and one six. Australia has already won the series 2-0, and they are looking to complete a 3-0 whitewash.
This series has been a one-sided affair for the host. Australia has scored 1222 runs in the series while losing 25 wickets, while South Africa has only scored 644 runs in the series with a loss of 40 wickets.