Star Australian batter Steve Smith hit his second consecutive Test century in the ongoing Border Gavaskar Trophy, extending his epic record at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. On Friday, December 27, Smith smashed Indian bowlers, while shattering a massive record by surpassing former England Test captain Joe Root for the most Test hundreds against India. Smith smashed his eleventh Test century against India, which is the most in history.
Most Test tons against India
In 23 Test matches against India, Smith has amassed 11 hundred and five fifties. In contrast, Root has amassed 10 hundred and 11 fifties in 30 games against India and is now placed first in the ICC Test batter rankings. Smith struck two sixes and nine fours to get his century in 167 balls. This achievement is his fifth at the MCG and his 34th Test century. He scored 192, his highest at this location, against India as well. Smith's innings puts him in the same group as Sunil Gavaskar, Mahela Jayawardene, Brian Lara, and Younis Khan on the all-time list of players with 34 Test hundreds.
Steve Smith - 11
Joe Root - 10
Ricky Ponting - 8
Vivian Richards - 8
Australia post 474 on board
At the end of play on Day 1 of the fourth Test on Thursday, Australia was at 311 for six after India rallied with four late wickets. Sam Konstas, a teenage debutant, enthralled the Melbourne Cricket Ground with an exciting knock during the morning session earlier in the day. Tailender Pat Cummins was on eight, while Steve Smith was still undefeated at 68.
However, Steve Smith and Pat Cummins spoiled India's plan to make a comeback in the innings as both of them joined a stunning partnership. Smith reached his century, his second consecutive in the series and Cummins played a captain's knock of 49 runs before getting out. Both of them ensure that their team get past 400. However, even after Cummins' departure, Smith did not allow the run flow to come down and before lunch on Day 2 Aussies were standing at 454/7.
Even after post-lunch and getting the wicket of Steve Smith, who played an astonishing knock of 140 runs off 197 balls, Indian bowlers failed to bowl out the tail. They allowed Aussies to post on the board. At the end of Day 1, the host were 311/6 and then ended their innings at 474.
The only good news India can take from there is that the MCG pitch looks good to bat on but then again most of their batters are not in very sound form and can be seen struggling in the series so far.