Australia have racked up another massive score, as Usman Khawaja and Steve Smith have constructed imperious knocks against a tired and demoralized Proteas bowling unit.

The game was still somewhat in the balance at the start, but Khawaja and Smith patient got set and added a mammoth 209 runs between them.

Khawaja reached his 13th Test century, and his third consecutive century at the SCG. The big score came at an opportune time, given his lean returns from the previous two games.

Smith had a shaky start, but his pull shot fetched him plenty of boundaries square of the wicket. He used his feet well against both spinners and cashed in on scoring opportunities.

Rain interruptions caused brief delays, but Smith reached a monumental milestone of his own – his 30th Test ton. He would surpass the late, great Don Bradman with today’s superb innings.

After Smith popped a return catch to Keshav Maharaj, Travis Head arrived and signalled his intention right from the get-go. His rapid 70 would pile on the misery for the Proteas, and Khawaja continued to keep the score ticking.

Records continued to fall, as Khawaja brought up a personal best of his own and is now just 5 away from his first Test double-century.

Inclement weather had the last word, as another rain break brought the day’s play to a close. Australia already have a tall total, and with three full days of cricket remaining, it’s possible that they may bat for around one session tomorrow. Despite the Proteas’ batting travails, the hosts will want to make that their WTC final berth is set in stone.

South Africa will soon have the Herculean task of batting for as long as possible. Will there be a more determined fightback? We shall see.

AUS 475/4 in 131 overs (Khawaja 195*, Smith 104)