In an incredible display of form during the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australian star Steve Smith proved his critics wrong with a sensational performance at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Smith smashed 140 runs off 197 balls on Friday, marking his 34th Test century. His innings, featuring 13 boundaries and three sixes at a strike rate of 71.07, solidified his standing among cricketing greats and silenced doubts about his place in the team.
A Comeback for the Ages
Smith’s resurgence comes after a challenging start to the series, where he managed scores of 0, 17, and 2 in the initial matches. However, his century in Brisbane (101) set the stage for another stellar knock in Melbourne. With this century, Smith now joins an elite group of Test legends, standing alongside names like Brian Lara, Sunil Gavaskar, Younis Khan, and Mahela Jayawardene with 34 Test tons. Only Sachin Tendulkar (51), Jacques Kallis (45), Ricky Ponting (41), Kumar Sangakkara (38), and active players Joe Root (36) and Rahul Dravid (36) have more centuries.
Kerry O’Keeffe Compares Smith to Nadal
Former Australian cricketer Kerry O’Keeffe, while analyzing Smith’s knock on Fox Cricket, drew an iconic parallel between the cricketer and tennis legend Rafael Nadal. O’Keeffe remarked, “The MCG to Steve Smith is like Roland Garros to Rafael Nadal. This guy owns this ground.” Highlighting Smith’s proficiency at the MCG, O’Keeffe noted that Smith’s average at the venue exceeds 80, with four Test centuries to his name.
O’Keeffe further praised Smith’s timing, particularly his drives past the bowler, saying, “When Steve Smith is hitting those straight drives, you know he’s in sync.” Smith’s brilliant innings came to an end after lunch when an inside edge onto his pad dislodged the bails.
Australia’s Dominance with Contributions from All
Australia’s innings received a strong boost from debutant Sam Konstas, who scored an impressive 60 off 65 balls on Day 1. Usman Khawaja (57) and Marnus Labuschagne (72) also made valuable contributions, helping Australia post a commanding total of 474 runs in 122.4 overs on Day 2.
India’s Batting Woes Continue
In response, the Indian batting lineup faltered despite a promising start. Openers Rohit Sharma (3) and KL Rahul (24) were dismissed early, but Yashasvi Jaiswal (82) and Virat Kohli (36) steadied the innings. However, their back-to-back dismissals triggered a collapse, leaving India struggling at 164/5 by stumps. The visitors now trail by 310 runs, with significant work needed to mount a comeback.
Steve Smith’s remarkable form and his dominance at the MCG reinforce his status as one of the all-time greats in Test cricket, much like Nadal’s unparalleled success at Roland Garros in tennis.
