Steve Smith, the modern-day great, has continued his sensational form in the Australian summer, smashing a scintillating century in the ongoing third and final Test against South Africa at the Syndey Cricket Ground on Thursday.
Smith smashed the 30th hundred of his glorious Test career and leapfrogged legendary Sir Donald Bradman in the tally of tons. Smith surpassed Bradman’s 29 Test hundreds with a remarkable pull shot off Proteas pacer Anrich Nortje to the boundary ropes to claim a stunning hundred at his home ground.
Right after reaching the triple-figure mark, Smith went for his traditional celebration but with an added twist. After acknowledging the crowd, the New South Wales cricketer hugged teammate Usman Khawaja, who had earlier smashed a century as well. Then Smith did something unusual as he pointed towards the change rooms before placing down his bat and mimicking a chainsaw.
Here is the video:
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
Smith was, however, dismissed soon after he chipped a regulation catch back to South African spinner Keshav Maharaj. After the end of the day’s play, the former Aussie skipper was quizzed regarding his chainsaw celebration.
Responding to the query, Smith revealed the chainsaw celebration was nothing but his way of poking fun at Marnus Labuschagne, who was dismissed by Nortje on the opening day for 79.
“This morning, Marn (Marnus Labuschagne) was complaining about getting chainsawed. Anrich’s ball that got him out kicked up a bit and he got chainsawed. So I said to him, ‘I thought you were out caught on about 70 anyway, so you’ll be alright, no worries.’ He goes, ‘Stop being so negative, Steve. I hope you get chainsawed today,’ So I said, ‘Alright when I get 100, I’ll reference the chainsaw,'” said Smith while talking to the reporters.
Speaking about the day, Australia have kept their control after finishing with 475/4 in 131 overs. Smith and Khawaja began the proceedings and kept the South African bowlers at bay. The duo formed a stunning partnership of 209 runs for the third wicket. While Smith was dismissed for 104, Khawaja is cruising towards his maiden double ton. The left-handed batter is unbeaten at 195 alongside Matt Renshaw, who is not out at 5. Travis Head also played a vital quickfire knock of 70 from 59 deliveries.
