AUS vs IND: 3rd Test – Smith century, Indian bowlers highlight eventful day 2
The third Test between Australia and India is interestingly poised at the moment after two days of intense action. First, it was India who made a stunning comeback to bundle Australia out for 338 runs. Steve Smith scored a brilliant century for the hosts and was the last batsman to be dismissed. Then India’s openers added 70 runs only for Australia to come back dismissing both of them in the final session. India ended the day on 96/2 after batting for 45 overs.
Here are the highlights from Day 2 of the 3rd Test at the SCG:
1. Steve Smith back amongst the runs
Steve Smith’s 8️⃣th Test century against India! ??
The joint-most of any Australian in the format alongside Ricky Ponting ?#AUSvIND pic.twitter.com/FMuJPsKOjX
— Cricket on BT Sport (@btsportcricket) January 8, 2021
Smith was always going to be in focus after his failures in the first two Tests. And the man regained his form in some style. He was looking good on Day 1 and just continued in the same vein on the second day. Smithy stitched a 100-run stand with Marnus Labuschagne first. Then, despite wickets falling at the other end, he didn’t back down and kept playing eye-catching strokes. He was in no mood to give his wicket away and smashed his 27th Test ton on the way. With tail-enders at the other end, Smith started playing his shots and added crucial runs to propel Australia to 338.
2. India’s spirited comeback
Moment of the match. Smith run out. What a throw by #Jadeja ?? #INDvsAUS test 3. pic.twitter.com/v1P31lu2Ma
— Gaurav Jha (@Gaurav_jha13) January 8, 2021
After the first day ended with Australia at 166/2 on a flat pitch, many felt India will have to chase the leather in the first innings. But the visiting bowlers came up fresh on the second day and bowled to a plan. First, keeping a lid on the run-scoring and then latching on the slightest of opening after Labuschagne’s wicket. Ravindra Jadeja was the wrecker-in-chief, picking up four wickets as Australia’s vulnerable middle-order succumbed under pressure. He even went to get rid of a settled Smith with a direct-hit run-out. Jasprit Bumrah bowled exceptionally with the second new ball and Australia, from being 206/2, were bundled out for 338 runs.
3. Gill shines, Rohit disappoints
After the bowlers skittled Australia for 338, it was time for India’s new opening pair, Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma to bat. India’s opening stand wasn’t encouraging in the first two Tests but this duo batted out the new ball well and attacked the opposition bowlers when any width was provided. Rohit took on Nathan Lyon while Gill played some exceptional strokes on the backfoot to get India off to a good start. They added 70 runs together before Rohit got out against the run of play, gifting Josh Hazlewood his 300th international wicket on the pacer’s 30th birthday.
