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Hundred In Boxing Day Test! Steve Smith Rediscovers Inner Beast With Stellar Knock At MCG

Rajgeeta∙ Updated: Dec 27 2024, 6:18 AM

Steve Smith smashed another hundred in BGT [Source: AP]Steve Smith smashed another hundred in BGT [Source: AP]

Steve Smith is unstoppable! The Australian batter has been in phenomenal form during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy series between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. After a tough period for the middle order, Smith has found his rhythm and delivered back-to-back stellar performances.

The Australian middle order had been struggling until Smith stepped up and smashed a crucial century at the Gabba. Building on that momentum, he has now scored another brilliant hundred in the very next Test match, showing why he’s one of the best in the game.

On Day 2 of the match, Smith resumed batting at 68, while Pat Cummins was battling it out with him, starting the day on 8 runs. Smith made sure to put on a show for the fans, reaching his 34th Test century in style.

This milestone came in the 101st over of Australia’s first innings when Smith blasted a four off Nitish Reddy. With his powerful shot through covers, Smith reached his second century of the series, and the packed MCG crowd erupted in applause. 

The century came off 167 balls, marking back-to-back hundreds for the Australian star. This was also his 5th century at the MCG and his 11th against India.

Australia Take Control On Day 1

Australia started strong after opting to bat first. Debutant Sam Konstas made headlines with an audacious approach. Opening with Usman Khawaja, Konstas fearlessly attacked Jasprit Bumrah, scooping and reverse-scooping the Indian pacer in a stunning display. He smashed a quick 60 off 65 balls before Ravindra Jadeja trapped him lbw.

Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne played cautiously, adding another 50-run stand before Bumrah removed Khawaja. Labuschagne and Smith then built a solid 83-run partnership, with both reaching half-centuries. However, Labuschagne fell to Washington Sundar. 

Bumrah turned the tide with quick strikes, removing Travis Head for a duck and Mitchell Marsh shortly after. Despite the setbacks, Smith and Alex Carey steadied the innings, however, Carey eventually fell to Akash Deep, but Smith and Cummins ensured no further damage.

At the time of writing, Australia are at 395 for 6 in 102 overs.