McGrath lauds Smith, Haddin

Sydney, Jan 3 (IANS) Bowling great Glenn McGrath has lauded Steven Smith and Brad Haddin, who bailed Australia out from a precarious position in the fifth and final Ashes Test against England here Friday.

The hosts were reeling at 97/5 in the first innings when Smith and Haddin struck a 128-run sixth wicket partnership on the first day of the match. Haddin got out for a well deserved 75 while Smith (115) scored his third Test century, and second of the series, to take Australia to 326.

“Great innings by @stevesmith49 115 & Brad Haddin 75 to get the Aussies to 326. Looking forward to day 2 of the Pink SCG Test,” McGrath tweeted.

Smith’s 115 is his second highest score after 138 not out and all his hundreds have come against England.