ICONIC SCG MOMENTS

NUMBER 5 WARNER’S ONE-SESSION CENTURY, 2017

It was a performance more likely to be witnessed in the Big Bash than the New Year’s Test. David Warner tore apart Pakistan, firing his way to a 78-run century before lunch on the first day.

He became the first since Pakistan’s Majid Khan in 1976 to pull off the feat, and the first to score a ton in the first session of any day of a Test in Australia.

Warner found the rope on his second, fourth, and fifth balls. A misfield gave him the three runs he needed to hit the milestone, and also earned him the fastestever Test ton at the SCG. Opening partner Matt Renshaw was on just 21 when Warner notched his ton.

NUMBER 4 CLARKE’S BEST KNOCK, 2012

Arguably the finest est innings of Michael el Clarke’s career: 329 not out from 468 balls. 39 fours, one six, and over 10 hours at the crease. He ground nd down the Indians, s hardly giving them a sniff at his wicket. He wasn’t alone – Ricky Ponting knocked 134 as they combined for a 292-run fourthwicket partnership, before Michael Hussey (150 no) joined in for an unbeaten 334-run stand.

It was the first time two 250plus partnerships had been scored in the same Test innings.

But a greater milestone was denied Clarke – by himself. The skipper opted to declare with Australia 4-659, giving up the chance to chase the highest-ever individual score by an Australian.

NUMBER 3 SMITH’S BRAVE BATTLE, 2009

Few displays of guts at the SCG can ma match that of Sou South African G Graeme Smith. The Aussies banged 445 in their first innings, before opener Smith cop copped a brutal ball fr from Mitchell Johnson that broke his left hand and forced him to retire hurt. Australia took control, handing the visitors a target of 376 to win. Smith didn’t walk out to open the batting, as South Africa tried to hold on for a draw on the final day. When the ninth wicket fell, Smith walked out in borrowed gear. With just 50 balls remaining he faced the Aussie attack. But with the 11th-last ball, Johnson bowled him.