Australia put up a blistering first innings performance against the Indian bowlers in Melbourne, posting 474 runs. Top-order batsmen Sam Constas, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne and Steven Smith scored fifties and Smith’s century were key to the team’s success.
Batting first after winning the toss in Melbourne, Australia got off to a flying start. The debutant Constas’ batting was impressive, and with him, opening with Khawaja and batting at number three, Labuschagne each made fifties. However, the main batsmen, especially the middle-order batsmen, failed to capitalise, and Australia failed to reach the 500-run target.
Australia started the game with 311 runs for 6 wickets in the first innings. Steven Smith made a big contribution to the team on the second morning. Smith, who completed fifty the previous day, batted brilliantly today by keeping one end in front. Smith scored a century off 167 balls, which is the 34th century of his career. This is his 11th century against India, which is the record for the most triple-figure innings against the country.
Smith’s record was special. The record for most Test centuries against India was held by England’s Joe Root, who scored 10 centuries in 53 innings. But Smith broke this record, scoring 11 centuries in just 43 innings.
Smith was well supported by Pat Cummins, who scored 49 runs off 63 balls. Mitchell Starc also scored 15 runs and Nathan Lyon scored 13 runs.
Jasprit Bumrah took the highest wicket-taker for India with 4 wickets for 99 runs. Ravindra Jadeja took 3 wickets, Akash Deep took 2 wickets and Washington Sundar took 1 wicket.
Australia eventually declared their innings on 474 runs, with Steven Smith top-scoring with 140 runs.
