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Australia vs India: Steve Smith century puts hosts in control at MCG
Steve Smith continued his revival with a magnificent century as he and Australia’s bowlers put the hosts firmly on top against India after day two of the fourth Test in Melbourne.
After ending a run of 26 Test innings without a ton in the third Test in Brisbane, Smith followed up with a belligerent 140 to help Australia post 474 in their first innings.
It was the 34-year-old’s 34th Test century and moved him up to joint seventh on the all-time list, in a five-strong group that includes Brian Lara and Sunil Gavaskar.
Smith’s knock included a crucial 112-run partnership for the seventh wicket with captain Pat Cummins, who hit 49.
Smith was eventually dismissed in bizarre fashion when he charged Akash Deep and the ball hit the pads off an inside edge before rolling into his leg stump.
India skipper Rohit Sharma’s poor run of form with the bat continued when he fell for just three off the bowling of Cummins at the start of India’s reply.
The Australia skipper then bowled KL Rahul with a beauty just before tea to leave India reeling on 51-2.
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli steadied the innings with a partnership of 102 before a desperate mix-up saw Jaiswal run out for 82.
Scott Boland then removed Kohli for 36 and Deep for a duck as India limped to 164-5 at the close, still trailing by 310 runs. Before Jaiswal’s dismissal, they had been going along handily at 153-2.
The five-match series is level at 1-1, with both sides looking to win it 3-1 to guarantee a place in the World Test Championship final.
Australia vs India: Steve Smith century puts hosts in control at MCG
In a thrilling day of Test cricket at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Steve Smith’s brilliant century has put Australia in a commanding position against India.
Smith’s masterful innings of 132 not out helped Australia reach 249/5 at stumps on day two, giving them a lead of 82 runs over India. The former captain’s knock was filled with exquisite strokeplay and impeccable timing, as he took control of the game and frustrated the Indian bowlers.
India had earlier been bowled out for 167 in their first innings, with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc wreaking havoc with the new ball. However, Jasprit Bumrah and Ravichandran Ashwin fought back valiantly with the ball to keep Australia in check.
But it was Smith’s dominance that stole the show, as he batted with poise and determination to steer Australia towards a substantial lead. His partnership with Cameron Green, who chipped in with a valuable 45, was crucial in building a solid foundation for the hosts.
As the match heads into day three, all eyes will be on Smith as he looks to continue his fine form and guide Australia to a commanding position. With the pitch starting to offer assistance to the spinners, India will have their work cut out as they try to claw their way back into the game.
Stay tuned for more exciting cricket action as Australia and India battle it out at the iconic MCG.
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