A strange end to a record-breaking innings! History-maker Smith dismissed in bizarre fashion at MCG

Melbourne: Australian star Steve Smith continued his exceptional run of form as he slammed a record-breaking century against India during the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), reinforcing his love affair with the venue and cementing his place in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023 standings.

Smith’s brilliant innings came to an unexpected end during the post-lunch session. Facing the first delivery of the 115th over from pacer Akash Deep, Smith charged down the pitch for an ambitious shot but mishit the ball, dragging an inside edge onto his back leg. The ball ricocheted onto the stumps, dislodging the bails in a rare dismissal. Initially stunned, Smith walked off with a smile, receiving a standing ovation from the MCG crowd. At the time of his dismissal, Australia was eight down, with Smith’s audacious shot highlighting his determination despite running out of partners.

Entering the series under scrutiny for a lack of form and a century drought spanning over a year, Smith got a much-needed break with a gritty century in the third Test in Brisbane. However, he truly excelled at the MCG, continuing his consistent Boxing Day Test record. Smith scored a dominant 139* off 194 balls, featuring 13 fours and three sixes at a strike rate of over 71, finishing the first session of day two on a high note.

Smith now boasts 11 centuries in 43 innings against India, surpassing England’s Joe Root, who has scored 10 centuries in 55 innings. In 23 Tests against India, Smith has accumulated 2,305 runs at an average of 64.02, including 11 centuries and five fifties, with a best score of 192. He is also the first player to achieve 10 centuries in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, surpassing Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar, both of whom have nine centuries in the series.

At the MCG and in Boxing Day Tests, Smith has now scored 1,232 runs in 12 Tests and 19 innings at an average of 88.00, with five centuries and five fifties, and his best score standing at 192.

With his latest century, Smith has moved to joint-sixth on the list of century makers in Tests, alongside Younis Khan (Pakistan), Sunil Gavaskar (India), Brian Lara (West Indies), and Mahela Jayawardena (Sri Lanka).

Australia won the toss and elected to bat first. Half-centuries from Usman Khawaja (57 off 121 balls), Marnus Labuschagne (72 off 145 balls), and Smith (68*) helped Australia reach 311/6 at the close of day one, despite India taking a few quick wickets. On day two, Smith added a century to his tally, and his 112-run stand with skipper Pat Cummins (49 off 63 balls) helped Australia reach 454/7 by the lunch break.