Australia’s third consecutive SCG ton by Khawaja lifts it to 266-2

SYDNEY (AP) — Usman Khawaja scored his third consecutive century at the Sydney Cricket Ground and Steve Smith made a half-century as Australia progressed without incident Thursday to 266-2 at lunch on the second day of the final cricket test against South Africa.

After two centuries in triumphant test cricket against England last season, Khawaja finished a chanceless 100 off 206 balls. Smith added nine boundaries and Smith calmly guided Australia past 250.

Khawaja remains unbeaten at lunch on 108 while Smith is 59 not out. They share an unbroken 119 run partnership.

Khawaja celebrated his latest milestone by running 4,000 tests on his way to an unbeaten 54 in the opening day. He did this shortly before lunch, with two quick runs off Kagiso Racabaa.

The 36-year-old celebrated his 13th test hundred enthusiastically by raising his bat and then dancing his customary little jig to the delight of his former home SCG crowd who chanted “Uzzie” in appreciation.

Khawaja scored 171 runs and 101 not out against England last year in this test to solidify his place in Australia’s batting line-up after being dropped in the 2019 Ashes series.

Smith scored his 38th test run with 50 runs on 95 balls. He looks poised to continue scoring runs in the afternoon against a quiet Proteas bowling team.

Marnus Labuschagne was joined by Khawaja in a 135 run partnership. This came after David Warner, who had been lost for 10 to Anrich Nortje.

Nortje (2-39) dismissed Labuschagne for 79 in the final ball of an shortened day. This was after Australia won the toss, and Australia batted.

South Africa could have had a brighter day if the television umpire and its on-field colleagues agreed. There were two close calls against tourists during an exciting middle session. Khawaja survived an appeal by Simon Harmer, with the second ball following lunch. Labuschagne received a reprieve for a contentious catch ruling on 70.

Shortly after play commenced Wednesday, Australia team management advised that batter Matt Renshaw — in the team for the injured Cameron Green — had reported feeling unwell shortly before the match and had subsequently returned a positive test for coronavirus but would still take part in the match.

Renshaw has separated from his teammates in his first test after 2018, and was moved to another changing area at the SCG. He will bat at No.6.

International Cricket Council regulations stipulate that Renshaw can continue playing in matches as long as his health allows. There is also the option of a substitute who plays the same match if Renshaw is not able to.

After two crushing defeats at Brisbane and Melbourne, Australia has now won the series.

A win for Australia in this third test would confirm its place in the world test championship final to be played at Lord’s in England in June this year.

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