Numbers Tell a Story

Smith’s stats against India are amazing. No other team has struggled with consistency and scoring as well as India. Across 43 innings, Smith has scored 2306 runs at an average of 62.32, a tally he boasts against any Test playing nation in sight. Although he has a surreal average of 124.57 against West Indies, it comes from just 15 innings. Against India, Smith’s work is extensive and always effective.

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The Indian bowlers find no relief for Smith. His longest drought between centuries against India spanned ten innings from January 2021 to mid-2023. Even then, Smith turned two and started showing promise. His ability to negotiate India’s formidable attack, which includes Jasprit Bumrah and Ravindra Jadeja, has been a hallmark of his batting.

Morning Milestones

The second day in Melbourne belonged to Smith and Australia. Resume at the crease, Smith reached his 34th Test signature, well-timed kick covers Nitish Kumar. As it was, Smith didn’t rest on his laurels after the century, taking on the Indian bowlers, including shoulder-pounding sixes against Bumrah and Siraj.

By lunch, Smith’s dominance had put Australia in control. His 112-run stand with Pat Cummins, who gave away 100 runs in just 90 minutes, laid the foundation for a formidable number.

A Special Run Ends a Classic Innings

Smith’s incredible innings ended in a match of his incredible form. Stepping down to Akash Deep, he tried to hit the ground but it only landed on the edge of his back leg. The ball, spinning and bouncing like a broken leg from a toddler, took away the goals. Smith watches in dismay from three feet down. Officially listed as a flop, the layoff seemed like a game-ending feat, marking a rare blemish on a great performance.

Indian bowling problems

While Bumrah continued to trouble Smith and co., Mohammed Siraj endured a torrid morning. After conceding 46 runs in six overs, Siraj failed to get the same support in the field as his teammates. Smith made big plays, sending short balls tauntingly and down the rail to punish the visitors. Rohit Sharma’s decision to position himself in the middle of the game to lead Siraj highlighted the difficulties of India’s second innings.

The War Continues

Smith’s innings may be over, but the results are still there. Australia, riding high on their wits, look poised to make a statement in this crucial Test. For India, the task ahead is difficult but not impossible. Meanwhile, cricket fans are left in awe of the spectacle of one of the game’s greatest bowlers taking on one of the world’s best bowlers.

Smith’s ability to dominate, adapt, and entertain continues to elevate him to the ranks of Test cricket legends. For India, the hope remains that they will soon find the key to solving the problem that is Steven Smith.