Home
India are set to post a daunting target for Australia in the ongoing first Test at Optus Stadium, Perth. After bowling out Australia for 104, centurion Yashasvi Jaiswal and KL Rahul's 201-run opening partnership helped India dominate the proceedings. In the heat of Perth, Australian bowlers toiled hard as Indian batters piled on runs. Skipper Pat Cummins used as many as eight bowlers in the innings including himself. After the second session, Steve Smith admitted that Australia are way behind the game in the Test. He seemed concerned about the cracks opening up on the pitch and a few deliveries keeping low, beating the bat.
"Fair way behind the game. Plenty to do and obviously have to bat well. Last 45 minutes or so, it has started to play tricks with the cracks. Not nice signs for us," Smith told the broadcasters during the tea break.
India were 359/5 at the end of the second session with a lead of 405 in the bag.
In the first innings, Smith did not trouble the scorers and was dismissed for a golden duck by Indian captain Jasprit Bumrah. Smith shuffled across and Bumrah trapped him in front of the pads.
Smith's record in fourth innings
As Australia are set to face a massive challenge in the run chase, Smith does not boast of a good record in fourth innings. He is yet to score a century in fourth innings of a Test. The experienced campaigner has 765 runs from 29 innings at an average of 33.26 including six half-centuries. Against India, he has batted thrice in fourth innings and scored 57 runs.
Australia's run chase records
Australia's highest successful run chase in Test cricket is 404/3 against England. The feat was achieved in 1948 against Leeds in 1948. Australia's highest run chase at home came against Pakistan in 1999. They scored 369/6 in Hobart. Australia's highest run chase against India came in Perth but at WACA Ground. They chased down the target of 339 against India in 1977.
