Australia v South Africa: Steve Smith’s ’chainsaw’ celebration at SCG impressed by Marnus Labuschagne

Smith on Thursday posted his thirtieth Check ton, taking him previous Sir Donald Bradman and leaving him behind solely Ricky Ponting and Steve Waugh within the record of most Check a whole lot for Australia.

Whereas he initially celebrated in typical vogue, Smith added a late flourish by pumping his arm to mimic a chainsaw.

Why precisely he did this was unclear to most, however the batting nice cleared issues up after play.

It seems Smith had been concerned in some pleasant byplay with Labuschagne over the latter’s dismissal on day one of many third Check on the SCG when he edged South African speedster Anrich Nortje for 79.

“I feel it was this morning, Marn was complaining about getting ‘chainsawed.’ Anrich’s ball that acquired him out kicked up a bit, and chainsawed,” Smith stated.

“I stated to him, ‘I assumed you have been out caught on about 70 anyway, so that you’ll be proper.’

“He goes, ‘Cease being so detrimental, Steve. I hope you get chainsawed right this moment.’

“So I stated, ‘Alright, once I get 100 I’ll reference the chainsaw.’ In order that was primarily it.”

Smith and Labuschagne’s relationship has change into the stuff of cricket folklore, with batting dynamos famend for his or her dedication and quirks.

Smith’s gesture had adopted that of Usman Khawaja, who celebrated his personal century with some artful footwork.

“He was dancing round, wasn’t he? It was a bit completely different,” Smith continued. “However it was an ideal innings, I assumed he performed exceptionally nicely from ball one.”

Whereas Smith fell caught and bowled to Keshav Maharaj for 104, Khawaja was unbeaten on 195 when rain once more led to an early end, leaving Australia 4-475 at stumps on day two.

Smith praised Khawaja for his knock and stated that there may nonetheless be loads extra runs to return from the opener on Friday.

“Hit his areas, was good and affected person when he wanted to be, performed the spin nicely and hopefully he can get 200 and even 300 tomorrow, doubtlessly,” he stated. “The wicket’s fairly flat. Just a few of the footmarks are beginning to get a bit greater, which is sweet.

“Even earlier than … I acquired out, I famous a bit extra site visitors beginning to come onto the floor, so I feel that’s a optimistic signal for us going ahead.”