[Watch] Steve Smith Roars As Masterstroke To Bring Boland Vs Ravindra Jadeja Reaps Rewards

Steve Smith elated after Ravindra Jadeja's dismissal [Source: @21OneTwo34/X.com] 

Former Australia captain Steve Smith brought out his strategic genius during the Boxing Day Test against India at MCG. He forced Pat Cummins to introduce Scott Boland back into the attack for Ravindra Jadeja, citing uneven bounce as his masterstroke resulted in Jadeja's shocking dismissal.

Australia had a cracking start to Day 5 of the Boxing Day Test against India MCG. First, they set up a 340 runs chase before captain Pat Cummins sent back Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul in the same over. Moreover, in the last over before lunch, Virat Kohli's weakness against wide off-stump ball was exposed as he edged to first slip, leaving India in a precarious position of 33/3.

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Steve Smith's tactical's genius gets the better of Jadeja 

In the second session, Yashasvi Jaiswal and Rishabh Pant knitted an 88-run partnership before the wicket-keeper batter lost his wicket in a rash shot. The next batter up was all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja. Seeing the uneven bounce, Steve Smith developed a plan to introduce Scott Boland against Jadeja. He convinced Cummins and had him on side with the plan.

Boland, meanwhile, bowled a back-of-a-length delivery that reared up unexpectedly outside off, catching Jadeja off-guard as he attempted to fend it. Unable to control the bounce, the ball brushed his glove and flew to wicket-keeper Alex Carey for a straightforward catch.

As his plan produced the desired result, Steve Smith, stationed in the slip cordon, roared in delight. He may not be the Australian cricket team captain anymore, but his tactical genius is still intact. 

Yashasvi Jaiswal fight alone from one end

Despite the fall of quick wickets, Yashasvi Jaiswal displayed composure in the face of adversity. He scored his 10th Test fifty and led India's innings. Jaiswal smashed a powerful shot towards mid-wicket off Nathan Lyon in the 40th over to bring up his half-century in 127 balls. 

This marked another milestone in Jaiswal's unbelievable 2024 as he landed in the same bracket as legends Sachin Tendulkar and Sunil Gavaskar. With his 12th Test half-century this year, he now trails only Virender Sehwag, who tops the list with 13 fifties.

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