Steve Smith of Australia plays a shot during day two of the Men’s Fourth Test Match in the series between Australia and India at Melbourne Cricket Ground on December 27, 2024 in Melbourne, Australia.
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Australia reached 454 for seven at lunch on day two of the Boxing Day Test against India here on Friday (December 27, 2024).
Resuming the day at 311 for six, Australia pressed on the advantage with contributions from Steve Smith (139 batting), who completed his 34th Test hundred, and skipper Pat Cummins (49 off 63).
The Indian bowling looked flat and conceded 143 runs in the session.
Brief Scores: Australia 454/7 in 113 overs (Steve Smith 139 batting, Marnus Labuschgane 72; Sam Konstas 60; Jasprit Bumrah 3/97, Ravindra Jadeja 2/72).
Smith hits second ton in series
Australia’s Steve Smith slammed his second century of the series against India on Friday (December 27, 2024), reaching three figures on day two at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
It was a patient and well-constructed innings from the 35-year-old, who hit nine fours and two sixes in the 167-ball knock to help put the hosts in a strong position.
Smith also scored a ton at the last Test in Brisbane — his first since June 2023 — with the latest his 34th in his 113th match. It moves him alongside four other players on the all-list of century-makers, including Sunil Gavaskar and Brian Lara. Only six players have scored more, led by Sachin Tendulkar’s 51.
Smith scores a century for Australia, bringing their total to 379 for six.
The score then moves to 400 for six, putting India under pressure on a tough morning. Jadeja picks up the wicket of Cummins, leaving Australia at 411 for seven.
Published – December 27, 2024 06:59 am IST
