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Steve Smith elevated his status to even greater heights on day two of the SCG Test, moving past the marks of three Australian batting greats as the hosts continued to make South Africa wilt.
The former national captain then dropped a remarkable retirement hint, suggesting he might not play another Test in Australia.
As Usman Khawaja toiled away in pursuit of his maiden Test double century on Thursday, Smith compiled 104 runs from 192 balls to surpass Matthew Hayden (8625 runs) and Michael Clarke (8643) on Australia’s all-time Test runs list, where he now sits in fourth.
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The New South Welshman also overtook Sir Donald Bradman’s Test century tally of 29, notching his 30th hundred to move into third on the all-time list of Australian Test centurions.
He chalked up his second Test century of the summer as Australia climbed to 4-475 from 131 overs by stumps.
Smith pulled an Anrich Nortje delivery for four behind square to bring up his century, before raising his helmet and bat to cheers from the SCG crowd.
The champion right-hander was removed two balls later, when he scooped the ball back to left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, ending a knock of 104 streaked with 11 fours and two sixes.
Allan Border, the man sitting in second on the list of greatest Australian Test run-scorers, was calling the action on the Fox Cricket broadcast when Smith reached triple figures.
“A significant moment for him and the team in particular,” Border said.
“What a performance from Steve Smith.
“Fantastic shot to bring up a significant milestone for him: a pull shot, banged in short, thumped away behind square.
“And the celebrations have started.”
Smith was non-committal when asked if he’d take part in another Australian Test summer.
“I don’t know. We’ll see,” Smith said in a press conference after play.
“I’m enjoying it at the moment.
“I really can’t say how long I’ll play for. I’m not sure.
“Take it one tour at a time. Just enjoy it and enjoy training and trying to get better, as well.
“Whilst I’m doing that I’m happy playing.
“But I don’t know how long it’ll last.”
Khawaja finished the day on 195 from 368 at the SCG, the venue at which he struck twin centuries in the New Year’s Test of 2022.
Khawaja scores third successive SCG ton
While Khawaja had busted out LeBron James’ trademark “silencer” move after scoring his first of two centuries in last year’s Sydney Test, he pulled off a more low-key dance after rushing back for two on Thursday.
Khawaja moved beyond his previous Test best of 174, which he tallied against New Zealand in Brisbane in 2015, and looked set to exceed his career-high first-class score of 214, only for more rain to halt his charge.
Khawaja was treated to fireworks at the other end of the pitch, watching on as Travis Head bludgeoned 79 from 59.
Khawaja and recalled Queenslander Matthew Renshaw (5) will resume in the middle on day three.
Australia is pushing for a series whitewash and its first Test series victory over South Africa in Australia since the 2005-06 summer.
Pat Cummins’ men defeated South Africa by six wickets in Brisbane and by an innings and 182 runs in Melbourne.
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