04 January, 2009

Nathin Hauritz South African skipper Graeme Smith was taken to hospital for x-rays on a suspected broken finger after a Michael Clarke century was negated by a fightback from the Proteas late on day two of the third 3 Mobile Test at the SCG.

In reply to Australia's challenging first innings total of 445, the visitors will enter day three 1-125 with Hashim Amla (30) and Jacques Kallis (36) to resume on a pitch showing signs of wear and tear.

Smith retired hurt on 30 after being stuck on the left hand by a Mitchell Johnson (0-27) delivery that reared nastily off a good length.

The problem centres on the knuckle area of the little finger. Smith was taken to hospital with his left hand heavily bandaged, later returning to watch the closing overs.

Also battling an elbow injury to his right arm, Smith is unlikely to take any further part in this Test.

Neil McKenzie, who laboured for nearly two hours, was the only wicket to fall in the South African innings, trapped lbw by Peter Siddle (1-21).

Clarke's ton – his first Test century on the SCG - underpinned Australia's large first innings total before a crowd of 30, 293.

His 142-run partnership with Johnson (64) swung the game Australia's way.

Resuming on 77, Clarke showed his intent from the opening ball, cracking Makhaya Ntini (1-102) through the covers for four.

He brought up his 10th Test century with a quick single before sprinting towards the members' stand with arms raised in triumph, seemingly oblivious that there was a third umpire's decision pending.

Clarke, who was dropped on 12 and 69, survived the close call and went to lunch with hopes of reaching 150.

But in his opening over Duminy enticed a return catch from the Australian vice-captain, who left his home ground to a standing ovation.

Clarke's purposeful knock – a mix of exquisite drives, intelligent running and rigid defence – contained 17 fours in a 373-minute stint at the crease.


Johnson, who was put down by Kallis on 18, clubbed 11 boundaries en route to his best score at Test level before being snapped up at first slip by Smith off Dale Steyn (3-95).

Siddle (23) and Nathan Hauritz (41) kept the momentum going, the former cracking seven fours in a rousing hand before his appreciative home crowd.

Hauritz was last man out – caught by Duminy off the bowling of Paul Harris (3-84) – just before tea.