Usman Khawaja's third straight SCG ton lifts Australia to 266-2 at lunch on Day 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 twin centuries in a triumphant return to test cricket against England last year, Khawaja completed a chanceless hundred off 206 balls, with nine boundaries as he and Smith serenely guided Australia past 250 after resuming the day at 147-2.

At lunch, Khawaja is unbeaten on 108 and Smith is 59 not out sharing an unbroken 119-run partnership.

After reaching 4,000 test runs on his way to an unbeaten 54 on the opening day, Khawaja brought up his latest personal milestone shortly before lunch Thursday with a quickly taken two runs off Kagiso Rabada.

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 made 171 and 101 not out against England in the test here last year to firmly re-establish himself in Australia's batting lineup after being dropped during the 2019 Ashes series.

In the following over Smith scored his 38th test 50 off 95 balls and looks well-set to add more runs in the afternoon session against a placid-looking Proteas bowling attack.

On Wednesday, Marnus Labuschagne and Khawaja made half-centuries in a 135-run partnership after the hosts lost David Warner for 10 early to Anrich Nortje.

Labuschagne was dismissed by Nortje (2-39) for 79 with what was the last ball of a truncated day that lost more than three hours to the weather conditions after Australia won the toss and batted.

The day could have been far brighter for South Africa had the television umpire agreed with its on-field colleagues with two close calls going against the tourists in an eventful middle session. Khawaja survived an lbw appeal from Simon Harmer with the second ball after lunch before Labuschagne received a reprieve on a contentious catch ruling when 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, in his first test since 2018, has been separated from the remainder of his teammates and moved into another changing room at the SCG. He is expected to bat at No.6.

International Cricket Council regulations state Renshaw can continue to play in the match as long he feels well enough, with the option for a like-for-like substitute if he is unable to play.

Australia has already won the series after two crushing defeats in the first two tests at Brisbane and Melbourne.

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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