Australia tighten grip on India in MCG Test
Australia's Steve Smith celebrates reaching his 34th Test century in the fourth Test against India/ AFP
A resurgent Steve Smith scored his 34th Test century to propel Australia to a commanding 474 runs in first innings on day two of the fourth Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Friday.
The visitors were left struggling at 164-5, still 310 runs behind after Australia’s innings ended shortly after lunch.
Jaiswal and Kohli put together a century partnership to offer India some hope in their response to Steve Smith’s 34th Test century and Australia’s hefty 474 runs in first innings.
However, both fell in quick succession, and Akash Deep was dismissed just before stumps, leaving India in a precarious position at 164/5 with three days remaining in the crucial fourth Test.
Smith’s patient knock of 140 was the backbone of Australia’s total. The 35-year-old hit 13 boundaries and three sixes, showcasing his resilience and returning to form after a century in the previous Test in Brisbane.
This century moved him alongside greats like Sunil Gavaskar and Brian Lara on the all-time list of century-makers. Only six players have more, with Sachin Tendulkar holding the record at 51.
The Indian bowlers, led by paceman Jasprit Bumrah (4-99) and spinner Ravindra Jadeja (3-78), struggled to contain Smith and his partners. After Australia resumed at 311-6, the hosts added another 163 runs, with Cummins contributing a quick 49 before being caught by Nitish Kumar Reddy off Jadeja. Mitchell Starc fell for 15, and Smith was dismissed in an unusual manner for 140, getting an inside edge to leg stump off Deep.
India’s reply was fraught with problems. Rohit Sharma, returning to open after a demotion to No. 6 in previous Tests, was dismissed for just three, caught off Cummins. KL Rahul was bowled by the Australian captain for 24 just before the tea break.
The Australian bowlers had put India on the back foot with the key breakthroughs, leaving the visitors with a steep task ahead in the remainder of the match.
The series stands level at 1-1, following India’s large win in Perth and Australia’s 10-wicket victory in Adelaide. The third Test in Brisbane was drawn due to rain.