Steve Smith’s commanding 140 propelled Australia to a strong position against India in Melbourne, helping the hosts reach 474 in their first innings. This marked Smith’s second consecutive century after breaking a 26-Test drought in Brisbane, and his 34th Test hundred overall, placing him alongside cricket legends Brian Lara and Sunil Gavaskar in joint seventh on the all-time list.
The 34-year-old’s innings featured a crucial 112-run partnership with captain Pat Cummins (49) before ending unusually when he charged Akash Deep, resulting in an inside edge onto his pads that dislodged the leg stump bail.
India’s response started poorly as captain Rohit Sharma’s struggles continued, falling for three to Cummins. KL Rahul’s dismissal to an exceptional Cummins delivery left India at 51-2. Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli temporarily steadied the innings with a 102-run stand before Jaiswal’s run-out for 82 triggered a collapse.
The visitors ended day two at 164-5, trailing by 310 runs, with Boland claiming both Kohli (36) and Deep (0) in the late session. Earlier, India had been well-positioned at 153-2 before losing three wickets for six runs.
Jasprit Bumrah emerged as India’s most effective bowler with 4-99, while Mohammed Siraj struggled with figures of 0-122. The series remains tied 1-1, with both teams eyeing a 3-1 victory to secure a World Test Championship final spot.
Smith’s performance included aggressive shots, notably a six off Bumrah and his century-making drive off Reddy, establishing a new record of 11 Test centuries against India. The Australian innings concluded with Starc’s 15 and Lyon’s lbw dismissal to Bumrah.
India’s batting display fluctuated between extremes, highlighted by Rohit’s continued poor form – managing just one fifty in 14 innings – and the costly run-out of Jaiswal, who was left stranded after a communication breakdown with Kohli at the non-striker’s end.
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