Steve Smith once again showed why he is the top-ranked Test batsman in the world after a commanding century on the first day of the third Test against India in Ranchi. The Australia captain continued his rich vein of form as he brought up his second century this series – the only batsman to score a ton so far – with a four. After reaching the landmark, he looked at the dressing room, with his bat outstretched, gracefully. His 19th Test ton was studded with boundaries as he stitched a solid partnerhsip with Glenn Maxwell.
En route his ton, Smith crossed another milestone, completing 5,000 runs in Test cricket, in 97 innings – the seventh fastest in terms of innings.
Smith’s century was lauded across Twitter as former players and cricket pundits emphasised the importance of this effort, with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy hanging in balance. His batting was certainly a good answer to all the negtivity of the past few days and might just overshadow his “brain-fade” comments, depending on how the Ranchi Test ends.
Oh and of course there were “dressing room” jibes aplenty:
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!