For all the big shots and brilliant wickets we've seen from Australia, perhaps more impressive was the gritty side they showed on day two of the Boxing Day Test.
In scorching temperatures at the MCG, the Aussies were able to compile an 197-run lead and lost just two wickets in the entire day of play, putting South Africa right out of the contest in the second Test.
David Warner returned to form with a magnificent 200* and battled through multiple cramps, before retiring hurt after reaching his double-century.
Steve Smith scored a gritty 85 before being dismissed, and revealed after the game he was struggling with the flu in the lead-up to the match.
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Later in the day, Cameron Green - fresh off a five-wicket haul and $3 million IPL payday - was struck on the finger and sent for scans after also retiring hurt.
In the 37-degree heat, Smith and Warner both struggled through their own issues to help the Aussies to a big total in front of a loud Melbourne crowd.
“It was pretty energy-sapping, it was pretty hot – it wasn’t the most comfortable day at the crease," Smith said.
"The boys were cramping left, right and centre…it was difficult, but it was nice to get us to the position we are now, I think we are in a nice spot.
"It was a pretty strange finish to the day – it was hard to believe I was the last wicket. Nathan Lyon was padded up next to me and we were three down.
“It wasn’t a nice day, I have been pretty crook actually the last few days and had the flu. It wasn’t much fun out there…every time we ran a two or a three, it really took it out of you.
"I was just trying to suck in a few deep breaths and take as much time as we could between those long runs. That’s one thing about the MCG – you’ve got to run those threes and fours and it can take it out of you obviously on a day like this.
"It was a tough day in terms of the heat, but it is also rewarding as well at the end of it. I feel ordinary to be honest – I’m looking forward to going home to bed.
"I was pleased I was able to grind out for as long as I could, but I would have liked to have been there a bit longer."
Smith was caught at gully off the bowling of Anrich Nortje, just 15 runs short of another Test century, but this was never supposed to be his day to have the spotlight.
This was all about Warner - playing in his 100th Test match and with pressure mounting on him - producing one of the greatest knocks of his entire career.
The 36-year-old was written off by many fans and experts heading into Boxing Day, with many calling for the opener to be dropped from the side.
But it's never wise to write off a champion player and plenty of people were left with egg on their face after such an important innings for both Warner and the Aussies.
“It would have to be right up there...they are a quality attack, they are great bowlers and he played exceptionally well from ball one," Smith said.
"He had great energy, it looked like his feet were moving very nicely…he just played beautifully and the more he started to cramp, the more shots he started to play.
"Everything seemed to be coming out of the middle – it was an amazing knock and it was nice to be up the other end for a large chunk of it.
"I thought he batted so well, he took the game on – anything short or anything loose, he was pouncing on it and he defended really well when he needed to."
Warner's time in the Test team is likely coming towards an end within the next 12 months, but his return to form will likely see him hold his spot for the tour of India and potentially The Ashes.
Smith doesn't see why the left-hander can't keep playing as long as he pleases.
“I don’t see why not – he is obviously doing pretty well and he played exceptionally well today," he said.
"He is fit and I don’t see any reason why he can’t continue playing.
"He was certainly seeing the ball pretty well today, so fingers crossed he can keep playing well and he can play for as long as he likes, I’m assuming."
Australia will resume at 3/386 on day three in Melbourne, with play beginning at 10.30am.