"Lot of pundits frantically deleting their old tweets" - Fans hail Steve Smith as he reaches 33rd Test century on Day 2 of 3rd BGT 2024-25 Test
Fans shared their reactions online after star Australian batter Steve Smith broke out of his form slump to smash a sensational century on Day 2 (Sunday, December 15) of the third Test against India in Brisbane. It was his 33rd Test century and a 10th in the red-ball format against India.
Smith's last Test century came in the Ashes series in June last year and his last home Test ton came in January 2023. The champion batter averaged 23 in Tests this year before the ongoing match in Brisbane.
Coming in with Australia struggling at 38/2 in their first innings, Smith endured an edgy first half of his stay. However, with the in-form Travis Head joining him, the veteran batter found his groove.
Smith smashed 12 glorious boundaries in his game-changing knock that ended with an outside edge off Jasprit Bumrah's bowling. He eventually finished with 101 runs from 190 deliveries, helping Australia reach a dominant position.
Fans on X/Twitter celebrated Smith's return to form and his 33rd Test century with the following reactions:
Fans continued praising Smith for his brilliant Gabba century, with one saying:
"Steve Smith still the best batsman in the world."
"Great Steve Smith smashes his 33rd Test century & 10th against India! A true legend of the game, showing why class is permanent and form is just temporary," tweeted a fan.
"Never ever write off a champion, they always find a way and Steve Smith did that. what a century," a fan said.
Steve Smith's ton puts Australia in command in Brisbane Test
Steve Smith's century on Day 2 has helped Australia take control of the third India Test in Brisbane.
With the five-match series tied at 1-1, Australia were asked to bat first by India skipper Rohit Sharma. However, persistent rain marred Day 1, with only 13.2 overs of play possible and Australia reaching 28/0.
Ace pacer Jasprit Bumrah struck twice early on the second day before Smith joined Marnus Labuschagne. The duo added a gritty 37 runs for the third wicket before Nitish Kumar Reddy got rid of the latter.
The dismissal brought Travis Head to the crease and he, along with Smith, took the visiting bowlers apart. The duo added 241 runs for the fourth wicket to help Australia safely pass the 300-run mark.
Even with Smith's eventual dismissal, the hosts are in a terrific position at 325/4 in 86 overs, with Head on 151* and Mitchell Marsh on 5*.