Smith’s century puts Australia ahead of India

Steve Smith continued his remarkable return to form with a brilliant century, guiding Australia to a dominant position against India on day two of the fourth Test in Melbourne.

Having ended a 26-innings drought without a ton in the third Test in Brisbane, Smith followed up with a determined 140, helping Australia post 474 in their first innings. This was his 34th Test century, moving him into a tie for seventh on the all-time list, alongside cricket legends like Brian Lara and Sunil Gavaskar.

Smith’s innings featured a vital 112-run partnership for the seventh wicket with captain Pat Cummins, who contributed 49. Smith was dismissed in an unusual manner when he charged at Akash Deep, inside-edging the ball onto his pads, which then rolled into his stumps.

India’s response was immediately tested, as captain Rohit Sharma’s poor form continued. He was dismissed for just three by Cummins early in India’s innings. Cummins then bowled a magnificent delivery to dismiss KL Rahul just before tea, leaving India struggling at 51-2.

Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli steadied the innings with a 102-run stand, but a mix-up led to Jaiswal’s run-out for 82. Scott Boland then dismissed Kohli for 36 and Akash Deep for a duck, leaving India at a precarious 164-5 at the close of play, still trailing by 310 runs.

This Test is part of a five-match series, which is tied at 1-1, with both teams aiming for a 3-1 victory to secure a spot in the World Test Championship final.

Smith’s Timely Revival After resuming on 68, Smith showed his class, building partnerships with Cummins to increase Australia’s lead. The duo put on a fast 50-run stand, with Smith reaching his century with a stylish cover drive. His 11th Test century against India moved him ahead of Joe Root as the player with the most centuries against India.

Despite some aggressive hitting from Cummins and Mitchell Starc (who made 15), Smith was dismissed in unfortunate fashion, with the ball deflecting off his inside edge and hitting the stumps. Nathan Lyon was the final wicket to fall as Australia finished their innings at 474, with Ravindra Jadeja taking 4-99 for India.

Rohit and India’s Struggles It was a tough day for India, with both their bowlers and batsmen struggling. Mohammed Siraj’s bowling was heavily attacked, with figures of 0-122. Rohit Sharma’s troubles with the bat continued as he was dismissed cheaply for just three.

India’s batting woes deepened when KL Rahul fell to a beauty from Cummins, and while Kohli and Jaiswal shared a solid partnership, India lost three quick wickets just before the close. Jaiswal was run out in a mix-up, Kohli edged Boland to the keeper for 36, and Deep was caught at short leg.

What They Said Nathan Lyon praised Steve Smith, calling him “the greatest problem solver” he has ever seen, and highlighted Smith’s ability to adapt mid-innings.

India’s Washington Sundar remained optimistic, saying, “We’ll come back and continue to fight tomorrow morning,” with the team maintaining a positive energy in the dressing room despite the tough day.