Melbourne, Dec 27: Steven Smith played a masterful knock, slamming an unbeaten 139 to guide Australia to 454/7 at lunch on day two of the Boxing Day Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Friday.
The day began with India hoping to make inroads into the Australian batting lineup under overcast Melbourne skies. However, Australia added 141 runs in just 27 overs during the session, with Smith leading the charge with his stylish and confident batting.
Starting from an overnight score of 68*, Smith looked in sublime touch, playing shots all around the ground. His 11th Test century against India came off 170 balls, including 13 fours and three sixes. This century also marked Smith’s fifth at the MCG and his second consecutive three-figure score in this series against India.
Smith was well-supported by Pat Cummins, who contributed 49 runs, and Mitchell Starc, who remained unbeaten on 15. The pair added partnerships of 112 and 43*, respectively, frustrating the Indian bowlers.
Smith initially played with caution, leaving deliveries outside the off-stump, but soon opened up with some exquisite strokes. He hit a series of boundaries, including a square drive off Akash Deep in the 90th over, and a six off Jasprit Bumrah, as he moved towards his century. Cummins, meanwhile, also found his rhythm, striking four boundaries off Akash, including a delightful ramp shot for four.
As the session continued, Smith reached his century with a glorious cover drive off Nitish Kumar Reddy. Both Smith and Cummins found boundaries against a wayward Mohammed Siraj, with Smith hitting two more boundaries and Cummins striking twice off Siraj.
Cummins was dismissed for 49 when he attempted to loft Ravindra Jadeja and was caught at mid-off. However, Smith continued to dominate, hitting both spinners and pacers for boundaries, with Starc adding a six off Bumrah to further Australia's strong position.
Smith now stands just 61 runs away from a double century and 52 runs away from reaching 10,000 Test runs—a significant milestone.
Brief Scores:
Australia 454/7 in 113 overs (Steve Smith 139*; Marnus Labuschagne 72; Jasprit Bumrah 3/97, Washington Sundar 1/49) vs India.
