AUS vs IND 3rd Test: Gritty Steve Smith bounces back, ends 25-innings wait for Test hundred

Star Australia batter Steve Smith bounced back to form during Day 2 of the third Test against Australia at the Gabba, Brisbane. Smith played a magnificent innings of 101 (188) with the help of 12 fours as he brought an end to his long drought of a Test century. It was the first hundred for the Australia star after 25 innings with his last one coming at Lord’s during the Ashes 2023.

Smith didn’t have a memorable start to his innings as he played and missed deliveries outside the off stump and was beaten on several occasions. The former Australia skipper also had his pads targeted by the Indian bowlers and survived a couple of close lbw calls.

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However, the right-handed batter managed to stay at the crease and weathered the storm. He battled through menacing spells against Jasprit Bumrah and Akash Deep who challenged both of his inside and outside edges. Despite facing some challenging spells, Smith continued to motor along and gradually moved towards his half-century.

Smith shifted gears in the third session

He brought up his 42^nd fifty off 128 balls and got involved in a massive stand with Travis Head for the fourth wicket. After reaching his half-century, Smith quickly shifted his gears and began dealing in boundaries. He went in to tea on 65 and came out in an all-out attacking approach after the break.

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Smith cut Nitish Reddy for a boundary on just his third ball after tea and made his intentions clear. Having got into his groove, the right-handed batter gave glimpses of his vintage self as boundaries began flowing from his willow. He added 31 runs off just 14 balls in the third session to move into the 80s. He finally reached his landmark in the 82nd over with a single against Akash Deep towards fine leg and celebrated his landmark. Smith was finally dismissed on 101 as Rohit Sharma took a brilliant catch in the slips.