SYDNEY - A broken little finger has ended Graeme Smith's tour but South Africa are fighting strongly in the third test against Australia, reaching 1-125 after day two.
Earlier yesterday, Michael Clarke top-scored with 138, his 10th century and first at the SCG, in Australia's first inningsof 445. South Africa's Jacques Kallis was 36 not out at stumps with Hashim Amla on 30 after Smith retired hurt for 30 at 0-35.
Apart from the injury to Smith, likely to keep him out of action for six weeks, Australia's other breakthrough came when opener Neil McKenzie was lbw to Peter Siddle for 23 at 1-76.
Smith, already set to miss this month's one-day series in Australia because of a right-elbow injury, hopped around in pain after being struck on the left hand by a rising delivery from Mitchell Johnson. Smith is expected to return for the three-test series against Australia which starts in Johannesburg on February 26.
The left-hander ran a single before leaving the field in obvious pain. Smith returned from hospital to the dressing room later in the afternoon with his left hand in a cast.
Trailing 2-0 in the three-match series, Australia's tail wagged furiously on day two as the last four pairs contributed 208.
Clarke's dismissal ended a 142-run partnership for the seventh wicket with Johnson, who made a career-best 64 and was out in the over following Clarke's exit. The Australia vice-captain's patient knock of six hours and 13 minutes included 17 fours. Clarke has refused to back down against South Africa's strong pace attack, scoring 342 at 85.50 in the series.
Spinner Nathan Hauritz made his highest test score of 41. Peter Siddle (23) and Hauritz had shared a 59-run partnership for the ninth wicket.
Paceman Dale Steyn (3-95) and spinner Paul Harris (3-84) took three wickets each for the Proteas, who lost their grip on the game when Australia scored 101 runs without loss in yesterday's morning session.
Steyn, who has taken 17 wickets in the series, is nursing a bruised left heel and bowled only six overs on day two.
The Proteas will take the top ranking from Australia if they win in Sydney.
