Australia: The Australian cricketer David Warner battled through searing heat to smash an incredible unbroken 200 before retiring in discomfort as Australia extended their lead over South Africa in his 100th Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

The hosts were 386-3 at the end of day two of the second Test, leading by 197 runs after the Proteas were bowled for 189 runs in their first innings on a scorching day. Travis Head was not out 48 with Alex Carey on nine.

Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne were the only wickets to fall. But worryingly for Australia, Cameron Green, who took 5-27 in South Africa’s first innings, also retired hurt after a nasty rap on the finger from Anrich Nortje.

David Warner becomes only the second batter to score a double hundred in their 100th Test ?

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South Africa, whose bowlers toiled in temperatures as high as 37 degrees Celsius, saw the game slip further away from them because of  Smith and Warner’s 239-run partnership. Opener Warner snapped a near-three-year century drought in typically aggressive and gritty fashion, reaching three figures for a 25th time after coming into the game under pressure on a lean run.

It was the player’s first Test hundred since January 2020 and as the opposition bowlers were tired, he battled the elements and converted it to 200 for only the third time.

Towels were placed over Warner and Smith’s heads, and ice packs were placed on their shoulders as they sat in chairs during the drink breaks. After reaching 200 and dropping to his knees, Warner retired in pain and needed multiple instances of cramp treatment. Support staff eventually assisted him off the field.

“The boys were cramping left, right and centre. So, difficult (conditions) but nice to get us to the position where we are now. I think we’re in a nice spot,” Smith remarked.

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