[Watch] Steve Smith brings up drought-ending century in BGT 2024-25 3rd Test
Australia star batter Steve Smith returned to form with an exceptional century against India on Day 2 (Sunday, December 15) of the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy Test in Brisbane. The right-handed batter took 185 balls to reach the triple figure. With the ton, Smith returned to form after managing 0, 17, and 2 in the last two Tests of the ongoing five-match series.
The achievement came in the 82nd over of Australia’s first innings. The 35-year-old slammed a boundary against Akash Deep before taking a single off the next ball to reach his hundred. He then brought out an animated celebration as the crowd and teammates stood up to applaud.
Watch the video below:
This was Steve Smith’s 33rd Test century and 10th against India. This was also his first Test ton in 2024.
Smith has over 2,000 runs in 22 Tests against India at a 60-plus average. He will be looking to continue his purple patch in Sydney and Melbourne.
“You look at his record” – Steve Smith delivers after Pat Cummins backed him ahead of 3rd Test
Steve Smith has delivered just days after skipper Pat Cummins backed him during his lean patch with the bat. Cummins recently told reporters (via MSN):
"You look at his record, stats would suggest (runs) are not far around the corner. In particular this year, he's looking fantastic in the nets, just looking really sharp, looking like he's got plenty of time. doing all the right things like he always does.”
During his 101-run knock, Smith shared a 241-run partnership with Travis Head for the fourth wicket. The duo propelled the Aussies past 300 on Day 2. It took a stunning catch from Rohit Sharma to send Smith back into the sheds after a drought-breaking century.
At the time of writing, Australia were 316/4, with Travis Head (148*) and Mitchell Marsh (just arrived) at the crease. Jasprit Bumrah has been the pick of the bowlers, picking up three wickets so far.
The five-game series is currently tied 1-1. India won the first Test in Perth by 295 runs before Australia staged a comeback with a 10-wicket victory in the second game in Adelaide.
Follow the IND vs AUS 3rd Test live score and updates here.