The Ashes | Day-Night Test, Day 2: Steve Smith misses ton, but puts hosts ahead on captaincy return

Steve Smith celebrated his return to the leadership of the Australian side with a resilient 93 in the Day-Night Ashes Test against England in Adelaide. He batted with absolute control and authority over England bowling attack until his dismissal when a delivery from James Anderon kept low and found him in front of the stumps.

He looked set and determined for a century in the Ashes series after missing out on a big score in the first Test at the Gabba. He did not have to do a repair job as the partnership between Marnus Labuschagne and David Warner had laid a perfect foundation for him and the middle order to flourish, but he never gave any chance to England bowling attack.

He stitched valuable partnerships of 65, 50 and 91 with Labuschagne, Travis Head and Alex Carey respectively to ensure Australia didn’t lose their way after a solid start at the top. Carey scored his maiden half-century in the longest format to lead hosts’ counter-attack from the other end while Smith was wearing the England pace attack down by each passing over.

He was handed over the vice-captaincy alongside Pat Cummins in a contentious decision by the selectors and got the opportunity to lead the side very quickly as Cummins suffered a covid scare in Adelaide.

His efforts ensured Australia reached closer to the 400-run mark at the Tea interval on the second day of the Day-Night Test and England will be under pressure to bat under lights in the final session.