<p>On Thursday (January 05), Steve Smith started 2023 with a bang by slamming yet another hundred in the purest format during Day 2 of the third and final Test between Australia and South Africa, at the SCG, Sydney. In the second day's play of the New Year's Test, Smith and Usman Khawaja were going strong and the former completed his 30th Test ton to surpass Sir Don Bradman's tally (29).</p>

<p>Bradman ended his career with a total of 29 Test centuries for the Aussies, in 80 innings of 52 Test matches. Smith, on the other hand, surpassed his tally&nbsp;in his 162nd inning in his 92nd Test. The former Aussie captain is now also the joint-third on the list of leading century-makers for Australia in whites. Former captains Ricky Ponting (41) and Steve Waugh (32) lead the list with Smith and&nbsp;former opening batter Matthew Hayden with&nbsp;30 centuries apiece. Smith will aim to go past Waugh's tally during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, in India from next month, and narrow&nbsp;the gap with Ponting.</p>

<p>En route to his special ton at his home ground, Smith also went past&nbsp;both Michael Clarke and Hayden to become the fourth-leading run scorer for Australia in Tests. The 33-year-old&nbsp;is now only behind&nbsp;Ponting (13,378), Allan Border (11,174), and Steve Waugh (10,927),&nbsp;with his tally reading&nbsp;8,647 following his 104 in the ongoing Test.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Steve Smith passes Sir Donald Bradman on Australia's all-time list for most Test centuries 👏<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WTC23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WTC23</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/T7IdCtNOBV">pic.twitter.com/T7IdCtNOBV</a></p>
— ICC Media (@ICCMedia) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICCMedia/status/1610854804489740288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are watching a modern-day legend!<br />
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Century No.30 for Steve Smith! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PlayOfTheDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PlayOfTheDay</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvSA</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/nrmainsurance?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nrmainsurance</a> <a href="https://t.co/hl5Qu5xR6F">pic.twitter.com/hl5Qu5xR6F</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1610846576196603905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Steve Smith overtook both Matthew Hayden and Michael Clarke today! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/mZHTktO0Z8">pic.twitter.com/mZHTktO0Z8</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1610853303029755905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/anrich-nortje-reacts-after-marnus-labuschange-adjudged-not-out-over-controversial-catch-in-aus-sa-test-549454">Anrich Nortje reacts after Marnus Labuschagne adjudged not-out over controversial catch in Aus-SA Test</a></strong></p>

<p>Smith stitched a mammoth 209-run third-wicket stand with Khawaja before falling soon after reaching the triple-figure mark. After his dismissal, Khawaja is leading Australia's charge and is nearing the 200-run mark&nbsp;with the hosts set to post a big score on the board after opting to bat first.</p>

<p>It is to be noted that Pat Cummins-led Australia already have a 2-0 lead in the three-match series and another win will help them seal a spot in the ICC World Test Championship final, to be held in June.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>


On Thursday (January 05), Steve Smith started 2023 with a bang by slamming yet another hundred in the purest format during Day 2 of the third and final Test between Australia and South Africa, at the SCG, Sydney.

On Thursday (January 05), Steve Smith started 2023 with a bang by slamming yet another hundred in the purest format during Day 2 of the third and final Test between Australia and South Africa, at the SCG, Sydney. In the second day's play of the New Year's Test, Smith and Usman Khawaja were going strong and the former completed his 30th Test ton to surpass Sir Don Bradman's tally (29). Bradman ended his career with a total of 29 Test centuries for the Aussies, in 80 innings of 52 Test matches. Smith, on the other hand, surpassed his tally in his 162nd inning in his 92nd Test. The former Aussie captain is now also the joint-third on the list of leading century-makers for Australia in whites. Former captains Ricky Ponting (41) and Steve Waugh (32) lead the list with Smith and former opening batter Matthew Hayden with 30 centuries apiece. Smith will aim to go past Waugh's tally during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, in India from next month, and narrow the gap with Ponting. En route to his special ton at his home ground, Smith also went past both Michael Clarke and Hayden to become the fourth-leading run scorer for Australia in Tests. The 33-year-old is now only behind Ponting (13,378), Allan Border (11,174), and Steve Waugh (10,927), with his tally reading 8,647 following his 104 in the ongoing Test. Steve Smith passes Sir Donald Bradman on Australia's all-time list for most Test centuries 👏#WTC23 | #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/T7IdCtNOBV — ICC Media (@ICCMedia) January 5, 2023 × We are watching a modern-day legend! Century No.30 for Steve Smith! #PlayOfTheDay#AUSvSA | @nrmainsurance pic.twitter.com/hl5Qu5xR6F — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2023 × Steve Smith overtook both Matthew Hayden and Michael Clarke today! #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/mZHTktO0Z8 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 5, 2023 × Also read: Anrich Nortje reacts after Marnus Labuschagne adjudged not-out over controversial catch in Aus-SA Test Smith stitched a mammoth 209-run third-wicket stand with Khawaja before falling soon after reaching the triple-figure mark. After his dismissal, Khawaja is leading Australia's charge and is nearing the 200-run mark with the hosts set to post a big score on the board after opting to bat first. It is to be noted that Pat Cummins-led Australia already have a 2-0 lead in the three-match series and another win will help them seal a spot in the ICC World Test Championship final, to be held in June.

Run-machine Steve Smith scores 30th ton in SCG Test to surpasses Don Bradman's tally, breaks several records

<p>A controversy erupted on the opening day of the third and final Test between Australia and South Africa, at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney. After opting to bat first, Australia was going strong at 130 for 1, in the second session, when Marnus Labuschagne (batting on 70) edged one, off Marco Jansen, and the ball went to the slip cordon with&nbsp;Simon Harmer holding onto a low catch. While the umpire Paul&nbsp;Reiffel sent the decision to the third umpire, his soft signal was out. After a lot of replays from the third umpire,&nbsp;Richard Kettleborough, from different angles, the decision was overruled with Labuschagne surviving eventually.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Dean Elgar-led South African side had started celebrating before the decision went upstairs and were shellshocked by the final call. While it looked like Hammer had done enough to catch the ball, some angles suggested that some part of the ball was touching the ground. Eventually, Labuschagne was given not-out, upsetting the Proteas. Here's the video of the controversial catch:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Caught at slip! Or maybe not...<br />
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Marnus Labuschagne is not out on 70 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AUSvSA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AUSvSA</a> <a href="https://t.co/OZ6N06fRZ6">pic.twitter.com/OZ6N06fRZ6</a></p>
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketcomau/status/1610472412998696962?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-australia-nz-have-sangakkara-hints-asian-giants-india-pakistan-sl-not-favourites-for-odi-wc-549446">'England, Australia, NZ have...': Sangakkara hints Asian giants India, Pakistan &amp; SL not favourites for ODI WC</a></strong></p>

<p>After the end of the day's play, with Australia 147 for 2, pacer Anrich Nortje gave his verdict with regard to the controversial catch. He said, "All of us thought it was out so I’m annoyed. I’m convinced it went straight in (to Harmer’s hands). I think when you look at the angles, to us, it looks like his fingers are underneath it. Unfortunately, we didn’t get that one and I think it would have been a big one at that stage."</p>

<p>Many other cricketers joined in and shared their take with regard to the controversial catch. England's Test captain Ben Stokes tweeted, "ICC should get rid of the soft signal and let the 3rd umpire who has all the technology to make the decision when the on-field umpires send it upstairs, all the controversy is always around the soft signal given." India's former spinner Harbhajan Singh replied saying, "Absolutely waste of time (soft signals)what is the point giving a soft signal when you are referring it to the 3rd umpire anyways .. let the 3rd umpire give a decision." Even former SA captain Faf du Plessis felt that the final decision should've gone in favour of the bowling side as the soft signal was out.</p>

<p>Labuschagne, nonetheless, eventually fell for 79 as Australia ended a rain-hit Day 1 at 147-2 with Usman Khawaja unbeaten on 54. The batter also opened up on the catch and said, "Regardless of whether it's caught or not, with technology, there are so many ones that people are adamant they have caught - and Simon said 'I've caught that' - and in the old rules of catching it, because you felt like your fingers are under it, absolutely, but with the new footage those are so scrutinised because you see so many angles. Especially that side-on angle, makes it look really bad, then the front-on angle actually looks pretty good."</p>


A controversy erupted on the opening day of the third and final Test between Australia and South Africa, at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney. After opting to bat first, Australia was going strong at 130 for 1, in the second session, when Marnus Labuschagne (batting on 70) edged one, off Marco Jansen, and the ball went to the slip cordon with Simon Harmer holding onto a low catch.

A controversy erupted on the opening day of the third and final Test between Australia and South Africa, at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), Sydney. After opting to bat first, Australia was going strong at 130 for 1, in the second session, when Marnus Labuschagne (batting on 70) edged one, off Marco Jansen, and the ball went to the slip cordon with Simon Harmer holding onto a low catch. While the umpire Paul Reiffel sent the decision to the third umpire, his soft signal was out. After a lot of replays from the third umpire, Richard Kettleborough, from different angles, the decision was overruled with Labuschagne surviving eventually. The Dean Elgar-led South African side had started celebrating before the decision went upstairs and were shellshocked by the final call. While it looked like Hammer had done enough to catch the ball, some angles suggested that some part of the ball was touching the ground. Eventually, Labuschagne was given not-out, upsetting the Proteas. Here's the video of the controversial catch: Caught at slip! Or maybe not... Marnus Labuschagne is not out on 70 #AUSvSA pic.twitter.com/OZ6N06fRZ6 — cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 4, 2023 × Also read: 'England, Australia, NZ have...': Sangakkara hints Asian giants India, Pakistan & SL not favourites for ODI WC After the end of the day's play, with Australia 147 for 2, pacer Anrich Nortje gave his verdict with regard to the controversial catch. He said, "All of us thought it was out so I’m annoyed. I’m convinced it went straight in (to Harmer’s hands). I think when you look at the angles, to us, it looks like his fingers are underneath it. Unfortunately, we didn’t get that one and I think it would have been a big one at that stage." Many other cricketers joined in and shared their take with regard to the controversial catch. England's Test captain Ben Stokes tweeted, "ICC should get rid of the soft signal and let the 3rd umpire who has all the technology to make the decision when the on-field umpires send it upstairs, all the controversy is always around the soft signal given." India's former spinner Harbhajan Singh replied saying, "Absolutely waste of time (soft signals)what is the point giving a soft signal when you are referring it to the 3rd umpire anyways .. let the 3rd umpire give a decision." Even former SA captain Faf du Plessis felt that the final decision should've gone in favour of the bowling side as the soft signal was out. Labuschagne, nonetheless, eventually fell for 79 as Australia ended a rain-hit Day 1 at 147-2 with Usman Khawaja unbeaten on 54. The batter also opened up on the catch and said, "Regardless of whether it's caught or not, with technology, there are so many ones that people are adamant they have caught - and Simon said 'I've caught that' - and in the old rules of catching it, because you felt like your fingers are under it, absolutely, but with the new footage those are so scrutinised because you see so many angles. Especially that side-on angle, makes it look really bad, then the front-on angle actually looks pretty good."

Anrich Nortje reacts after Marnus Labuschagne adjudged not-out over controversial catch in Aus-SA Test

<p>On Thursday (December 29), Pat Cummins-led Australia thrashed South Africa by an innings and 182 runs to win the second and penultimate Test at the iconic MCG, Melbourne. Resuming the fourth day's play, SA were 15 for 1 and trailing by 371 more runs. Despite some fight from Temba Bavuma (65) and starts from&nbsp;Theunis de Bruyn and Kyle Verreynne, the Proteas only managed 204 all-out to concede a big win for the hosts.</p>

<p>Everything clicked for the Aussies from the word go. Opting to bowl first, Australia rode on Cameron Green's five-fer to dismiss the visitors for 189 before piling up a mammoth 575 for 8 decl. with David Warner (200) and Alex Carey (111) being the top performers. The South Africans somehow managed to cross the 200-run mark but have lost their fourth Test in a row to fall behind in the race to enter the ICC World Test Championship final. <strong>Here's the updated WTC points table after Australia thrash SA:</strong></p>

<p><img alt="Updated WTC points table after Aus beat SA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="787c0892-cdf5-43f5-ac39-ad2c8ce743a5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Aus%20beat%20SA%20WTC%20PT.png" /></p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/after-t20-world-cup-success-mcc-keen-on-hosting-india-pakistan-test-at-the-mcg-547561">After T20 World Cup success, MCC keen on hosting India-Pakistan Test at the MCG</a></strong></p>

<p>At the post-match presentation, skipper Cummins said, "It (the win) is right up there. We have had some great contests with South Africa, hadn't won against them at home in 20 years I think, so pretty special. I thought how Warner and Smith batted in the heat was pretty gutsy. Starc and Green as well, put their injuries behind and turned up. Davey was superb, you could see his energy from ball one and to do it in his 100th Test is awesome. He (Carey) has really cemented his place in the Test side and to get a hundred in a Boxing Day Test is special. He's (Lyon) good to go, just winded himself. Starc and Green will definitely miss the Sydney Test. Boxing Day is a pretty huge event and this year was even more special as we celebrated Warnie."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Elgar pointed out, "It is not easy at the moment. That was bit of a hammering. We have got to do lot of reflection going ahead once again. There are a few positives coming out of this Test but not a lot. The inexperience with the bat in hand, we lost a lot of batters in the last few years and that has played a role. But that also gave an opportunity for the newcomers to come out, perform and stake a permanent claim in this batting group. But it is definitely hurting us at the moment."</p>

<p>Australia are nearing qualification for the WTC final with this win. They will aim for a series whitewash, at the SCG, Sydney, before their four Tests in India next year.</p>


On Thursday (December 29), Pat Cummins-led Australia thrashed South Africa by an innings and 182 runs to win the second and penultimate Test at the iconic MCG, Melbourne.

On Thursday (December 29), Pat Cummins-led Australia thrashed South Africa by an innings and 182 runs to win the second and penultimate Test at the iconic MCG, Melbourne. Resuming the fourth day's play, SA were 15 for 1 and trailing by 371 more runs. Despite some fight from Temba Bavuma (65) and starts from Theunis de Bruyn and Kyle Verreynne, the Proteas only managed 204 all-out to concede a big win for the hosts. Everything clicked for the Aussies from the word go. Opting to bowl first, Australia rode on Cameron Green's five-fer to dismiss the visitors for 189 before piling up a mammoth 575 for 8 decl. with David Warner (200) and Alex Carey (111) being the top performers. The South Africans somehow managed to cross the 200-run mark but have lost their fourth Test in a row to fall behind in the race to enter the ICC World Test Championship final. Here's the updated WTC points table after Australia thrash SA: Also read: After T20 World Cup success, MCC keen on hosting India-Pakistan Test at the MCG At the post-match presentation, skipper Cummins said, "It (the win) is right up there. We have had some great contests with South Africa, hadn't won against them at home in 20 years I think, so pretty special. I thought how Warner and Smith batted in the heat was pretty gutsy. Starc and Green as well, put their injuries behind and turned up. Davey was superb, you could see his energy from ball one and to do it in his 100th Test is awesome. He (Carey) has really cemented his place in the Test side and to get a hundred in a Boxing Day Test is special. He's (Lyon) good to go, just winded himself. Starc and Green will definitely miss the Sydney Test. Boxing Day is a pretty huge event and this year was even more special as we celebrated Warnie." Meanwhile, Elgar pointed out, "It is not easy at the moment. That was bit of a hammering. We have got to do lot of reflection going ahead once again. There are a few positives coming out of this Test but not a lot. The inexperience with the bat in hand, we lost a lot of batters in the last few years and that has played a role. But that also gave an opportunity for the newcomers to come out, perform and stake a permanent claim in this batting group. But it is definitely hurting us at the moment." Australia are nearing qualification for the WTC final with this win. They will aim for a series whitewash, at the SCG, Sydney, before their four Tests in India next year.

Updated ICC World Test Championship points table after Australia beat South Africa at the MCG

<p>It’s that time of the year when the cricket world gets excited about the Boxing Day Test match. Australia and South Africa will be gearing up for the second Test of the three-match series at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) that begins on Monday, December 26th.</p>

<p>After the first match at the Gabba, Brisbane got wrapped up inside two days where Australia won by six wickets - making it one of the smallest Test matches played in terms of total balls bowled; all eyes will be on the second game at the G that is likely to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-sl-2023-out-of-form-opener-kl-rahul-could-be-dropped-for-sri-lanka-t20is-reports-546438">IND vs SL 2023: Out-of-form opener KL Rahul could be dropped for Sri Lanka T20Is - Reports</a></p>

<p>While Australian captain Pat Cummins confirmed they will go ahead with the same team, any changes to the South African XI are unknown for now. Cummins, while addressing the media on the eve of the Test match said local-boy Scott Boland will retain his place while ‘underdone’ Josh Hazlewood will remain on the bench.</p>

<p>"We gave Joshy every chance, (but) it just got to a stage where (he) more than anyone else felt like he was a little bit underdone," Cummins said.</p>

<p>"It's a mark of the man really; he himself said 'don't feel quite right', so he kind of pulled himself out of selection," he added.</p>

<p>Boland made his Test debut at the very ground last year against England during the Ashes picking up his career-best 6/7 in the second innings. In five Test matches played so far, Boland has picked 25 wickets at an astonishing average of 10.36. Other than him, Australian opener David Warner will also be playing his 100th Test match at the MCG.</p>

<p><strong>Now let’s get more details about where and how to watch the 2nd Test between Australia and South Africa –</strong></p>

<p><strong>When and where is the 2nd Test match between Australia and South Africa taking place?</strong></p>

<p>The second Test match between Australia and South Africa will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), starting on Monday, December 26th.</p>

<p><strong>How can we watch the 2nd Test match between Australia and South Africa?</strong></p>

<p>The fans in India can watch the live telecast of the 2nd Test match between Australia and South Africa on the SONY Sports Network on TV and on the SONY LIV app online.</p>


It’s that time of the year when the cricket world gets excited about the Boxing Day Test match. Australia and South Africa will be gearing up for the second Test of the three-match series at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) that begins on Monday, December 26th.

It’s that time of the year when the cricket world gets excited about the Boxing Day Test match. Australia and South Africa will be gearing up for the second Test of the three-match series at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) that begins on Monday, December 26th. After the first match at the Gabba, Brisbane got wrapped up inside two days where Australia won by six wickets - making it one of the smallest Test matches played in terms of total balls bowled; all eyes will be on the second game at the G that is likely to draw hundreds of thousands of spectators. ALSO READ: IND vs SL 2023: Out-of-form opener KL Rahul could be dropped for Sri Lanka T20Is - Reports While Australian captain Pat Cummins confirmed they will go ahead with the same team, any changes to the South African XI are unknown for now. Cummins, while addressing the media on the eve of the Test match said local-boy Scott Boland will retain his place while ‘underdone’ Josh Hazlewood will remain on the bench. "We gave Joshy every chance, (but) it just got to a stage where (he) more than anyone else felt like he was a little bit underdone," Cummins said. "It's a mark of the man really; he himself said 'don't feel quite right', so he kind of pulled himself out of selection," he added. Boland made his Test debut at the very ground last year against England during the Ashes picking up his career-best 6/7 in the second innings. In five Test matches played so far, Boland has picked 25 wickets at an astonishing average of 10.36. Other than him, Australian opener David Warner will also be playing his 100th Test match at the MCG. Now let’s get more details about where and how to watch the 2nd Test between Australia and South Africa – When and where is the 2nd Test match between Australia and South Africa taking place? The second Test match between Australia and South Africa will take place at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), starting on Monday, December 26th. How can we watch the 2nd Test match between Australia and South Africa? The fans in India can watch the live telecast of the 2nd Test match between Australia and South Africa on the SONY Sports Network on TV and on the SONY LIV app online.

Australia vs South Africa 2022, 2nd Test: Where and how to watch the Boxing Day Test match