AGENCY
RANCHI: Australian skipper Steve Smith plays a shot during the first day of the 3rd Test against India in Ranchi on Thursday. PTI Photo
Steve Smith continued to be India’s nemesis by scoring a superb century as Australia recovered from early setbacks to reach a comfortable 299 for 4 on the first day of the third cricket Test here.
In the eye of a storm for his ‘DRS Brain Fade’ during the second Test, Smith (117 batting) showed steely resolve en route his 19th Test hundred. None among the Indian bowling quartet could trouble him during the 244 balls that he faced. Comeback-man Glenn Maxwell (82 batting) also played his role to perfection with a solid effort, adding 159 runs in 47.4 overs for the fifth wicket.
Maxwell’s proficiency against spin also helped Smith to play his own game. Incidentally, this was Maxwell’s first 50 plus score in Test cricket.
If it wasn’t enough that bowlers had a hard day, Indian captain Virat Kohli suffered a shoulder injury while fielding and was out of action for more than one session. In Kohli’s absence, stand-in captain Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership lacked imagination.
Australia would certainly be looking at a total in excess of 500 with an aim to bat India out of the match during the first innings itself.
This was after Australia were precariously placed at 140 for 4 with Umesh Yadav (2/63 in 19 overs) providing a fantastic exhibition of reverse swing bowling.
score board
Australia 1st innings
MT Renshaw c Kohli b Yadav 44
DA Warner c & b Jadeja 19
SPD Smith* not out 117
SE Marsh c Pujara b Ashwin 02
PSP Handscomb lbw b Yadav 19
GJ Maxwell not out 82
Extras 16
Total 299/4
