Australia took their lead to 197 as the Proteas struggled with the ball on Day 2 of the 2nd Test at the MCG.

It was a tough day for the Proteas on Day 2 of the second Test at the MCG. They walked out to the middle in 37-degree heat and the task was to stop the Aussies from piling on runs on a flat deck.

The Proteas bowlers ran in and gave it their all, but one man haunted South Africa on his 100th Test for Australia – David Warner.

The opener was ruthless and took on the opposition with no fear. The Proteas bowlers had no answers. He went on to score a phenomenal double-century that took Australia into a lead of 140.

A partnership with Steven Smith of 239 off 337 was key to burying the Proteas bowlers, but Warner was excellent and the visitors had no answer, it took extreme camp to take him off the field after 200 off 254 balls.

Before that, however, Anrich Nortje removed Smith (85) to break the partnership on the first ball after drinks in the final session.

The comeback from the Aussies after the sandpaper gate was complete. The two players who served significant bans put all of their passion and emotions into their innings and it benefitted the hosts superbly.

Travis Head added insult to injury. He ended the day on 48. Australia posted 386/3.