Steve Smith has provided another emphatic reminder of his prowess on the cricket field after notching his 34th Test century on day two of the fourth Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Resuming on Friday at 68 not out, Smith played with confidence and composure, concluding the innings with 140 runs off 197 balls as Australia posted 474 all out.
The day began with high hopes for the Australian team, who had built on their first-day score of 311 for six after enduring the rain-affected Gabba Test, where Smith made his 33rd Test century. Skipper Pat Cummins supported Smith admirably, sharing a commanding 144-run partnership before being dismissed for 49. Australia was well-positioned for victory as lunch approached, and Smith’s performance was key to maintaining the momentum.
Smith's innings not only showcased his remarkable batting capabilities but also etched his name nearer to cricketing legends. With this latest achievement, he joins Sunil Gavaskar and Brian Lara with 34 Test hundreds, making him the joint seventh-highest run-scorer historically. Among Australian players, he now trails only Ricky Ponting, who scored 41 Test centuries.
Smith has demonstrated exceptional prowess against India, achieving his 11th century against them, which surpasses English player Joe Root’s ten. This remarkable feat emphasizes Smith's dominance; he consistently performs on home turf and has shown incredible versatility and resilience over his career.
Historically, Smith has always enjoyed batting at the MCG, where his average exceeds 80 across Boxing Day Tests. His passion for the venue has translated to prolific scoring, and his fifth century at this location stands testimony to his consistency.
Despite grappling with form early in the Border-Gavaskar series, where he managed only 19 runs across his initial two Tests, his latest performances have silenced critics questioning his longevity and relevance at the international level. Before the current Test, Smith hadn’t hit a century for over 18 months, making his resurgence all the more compelling.
The left-hand batsman displayed the stylistic flair and aggressive approach expected from one of Australia’s finest, tantalizing fans with perfectly timed strokes and smart shot selection. His defining moment came when he executed a textbook drive through the covers to bring up his century, earning warm applause from the throngs of spectators at the MCG.
Commentators, former players, and fans alike were quick to celebrate the batting maestro. “The champ’s back,” remarked Mark Waugh, indicative of the sense of relief and joy surrounding Smith’s return to form. Even Kerry O’Keeffe, speaking on Fox Cricket, commented on Smith’s innovative strokes, marking him as “in sync” with the game.
Smith's innings finally came to an end under unusual circumstances. After charging down to face Akash Deep, he accidentally dragged the ball onto his back leg, causing it to ricochet onto the stumps. While this surprising dismissal could have marred his accomplishment, the MCG crowd rose to their feet, showering him with well-deserved applause as he exited the field.
Australian batting was not solely defined by Smith; contributions came from other team members as well. Sam Konstas made his mark with 60 runs, and Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja added valuable fifties to lay the groundwork.
On the opposite side, India's bowling did manage to take wickets, with Jasprit Bumrah achieving 4 for 99 and Ravindra Jadeja claiming 3 for 78, but they could not thwart Smith’s dominance. Smith’s batting performance has begun to set the terms of the match, propelling Australia to chase the lead and overall control.
The match has not been without its controversies, as well. India’s Virat Kohli faced scrutiny after receiving penalties for his confrontation with young Konstas, which was deemed unduly aggressive. Ricky Ponting expressed concern over Kohli's actions, signaling how this moment reveals tensions boiling beneath the surface.
Australia's batting depth shone through as the top order consistently piled on the runs. The ability to turn adversity to advantage, particularly at the MCG, where the pitch conditions seemed favorable for batting, painted Australia as the stronger side as day two progressed.
Despite Steve Smith's individual accolades, the focus now shifts onto the rest of the series. With Australia maintaining solid performances, they stand on the brink of establishing significant dominance against India. Smith's form, combined with strategic teamwork, reinforces the team's high aspirations amid what many perceive as one of the most competitive eras for Test cricket.
Moving forward, as Australia enjoys their commanding total, all eyes remain on Smith, now cemented solidly amid cricket's legends. With the next innings approaching, fans and commentators alike are curious to see whether Smith will add to his illustrious career or if other players will rise to the occasion and challenge his formidable presence.
