Steven Smith delivered a masterclass in batting, crafting a stunning 140-run innings to help Australia post a colossal 474 in their first innings of the Melbourne Test against India. On his way to the milestone, Smith not only scored his 34th Test century but also broke the record for the most centuries against India, surpassing England’s Joe Root with 11 centuries in just 43 innings.
Smith’s dismissal, however, was as peculiar as his innings was remarkable. Attempting an aggressive shot against Akash Deep, the ball hit his bat, deflected off his foot, and trickled onto the stumps in a bizarre sequence of events. This rare form of bowled-out dismissal brought an end to an otherwise flawless knock.
Labuschagne chipped in with 72, while Constas (60) and Khawaja (57) laid a strong foundation on the first day. Captain Pat Cummins narrowly missed a fifty, contributing 49 before falling to Jadeja.
Smith’s century also marked his fifth at Melbourne and his 18th on home soil, further solidifying his place among cricket’s all-time greats. India now faces a daunting task to close the gap and keep the match within reach.
