So after two days, Australia are in complete control of the Boxing Day Test at 3-386 with a lead of 197.
Considering how brittle South Africa’s batting line-up is, that lead is probably already a match-winning one.
And the second day was all about David Warner who emphatically broke his 35-month Test century drought by smashing an unbeaten 200, before he unfortunately had to retire hurt due to cramp and heat stress.
Worryingly, Cameron Green also retired hurt later in the day after copping a nasty Anrich Nortje ball on the right index finger, splitting the knuckle open and making it swollen.
Given Starc (finger) is already in doubt to bowl again in this match, it leaves the Aussies’ bowling options potentially ravaged.
But you feel the Proteas will need more than an undermanned Australian bowling attack to get them out of trouble at the MCG.
They have been woeful, claiming just two wickets today, with one of them a run out of Labuschagne (14).
Smith (85) fell agonisingly short of a ton, but his 239-run partnership with Warner has helped put Australia in a commanding position heading into the third day.
Thanks for following all the action in our blog today, be sure to tune in again tomorrow as Australia look to pile on the runs with Travis Head (48 off 48) in a very aggressive mood again.
6.40pm on Dec 27, 2022
Warner’s 200 a game-changer for Australia – and for him
By Daniel Brettig
While summing up the contribution of David Warner to Australia’s Test team over 100 Tests, a trio of his opening partners hit on a similar theme: his sheer threat in terms of runs at speed often made them feel like the opposition was only paying attention to one batter.
Over the past few months, as slim scores added up in the same period where Warner was attempting to abide by Cricket Australia’s convoluted process to overturn his lifetime leadership ban, that threat appeared to be on the wane.
For several weeks, opponents could be granted the thought that soon they might be free of this meddlesome “Bull”, able to hit the best balls of most opening bowlers to the boundary, while allying a sharp eye to peerless levels of fitness.
Warner cracks 200 then adds to Australia’s injury woes
By Malcolm Conn
The ecstasy and agony of David Warner’s career-saving double century left Australia on course for a series victory over South Africa but with a rapidly filling casualty ward.
Having struggled with cramp on a scorching Melbourne afternoon, Warner retired hurt for 200 after seizing up while celebrating the milestone on day two of the second Test. Australia went to stumps at 3-386, a lead of 197, with a rollicking Travis Head on 48 not out from as many balls.
Boxing Day bowling hero Cameron Green then suffered an injured right index finger and retired hurt for six. Opening bowler Mitchell Starc already has tendon damage to a finger on his bowling hand, which has him in trouble for the last Test in Sydney.
Australia made 2-341 in 79 overs today, that’s scoring at quite a clip
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6.01pm on Dec 27, 2022
Head has to wait for 50
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Head flicks Rabada down to fine leg for his seventh boundary off the final ball of the over, and that will be the last act of the day. There won’t be another over today.
Head reaches stumps at 48 not out and Carey is unbeaten on nine.
5.58pm on Dec 27, 2022
Carey whacks Rabada
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Carey registers his first four of the day with a beautiful cover drive off Rabada’s bowling.
The Aussies move to 3-381 with a lead of 192. It’s grim for South Africa.
And why is Carey out there with only three wickets down? Warner and Green have both retired hurt.
5.57pm on Dec 27, 2022
Head quickly nears 50
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Head finishes the over by sweeping Maharaj four another four and he races along to 44 from 46 balls. He needs six runs in approximately four minutes to get his half-century today.
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5.52pm on Dec 27, 2022
Ngidi the latest to struggle physically
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They’re dropping like flies out there today. Now Ngidi appears to be struggling with cramp after bowling the first ball of his new over. He needs help from the medical team to stretch it out.
In fact, it looks like it’s more serious than cramp. He too is limping from the field, joining Warner and Green in the stands.
Don’t forget, Starc injured his hand fielding on day one and probably won’t bowl again in this match.