Smith Stabilizes AUS as Head Shatters IND with Two Centuries in a Day

On day two of the third Test against India, Steve Smith showed resilience, scoring a century that underscored his affiliation with the Gabba, where he has accumulated a significant portion of his career runs. However, this latest inning marked a departure from his previous successes at the venue. Smith has faced years of challenges, battling through a phase of poor form that left him struggling at the crease.

Throughout the early part of his innings, he appeared to be on the verge of dismissal multiple times, showcasing an adjustment in technique that had not yet fully taken hold. He survived several risky moments, barely escaping the clutches of Indian bowlers. Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne, who had seemed more composed, fell victim to an unnecessary drive.

As Smith persevered, he managed to hit a straight drive that brought renewed energy to the crowd and marked the beginning of his resurgence. Reaching fifty ignited a transformation; he became increasingly aggressive at the crease, taking advantage of Travis Head’s explosive performance, which propelled the score onwards.

Despite this impressive display, analysts noted that Smith's form was not what it used to be, with a remarkable drop in both his century-making frequency and batting average against India. Nonetheless, his contribution steadied Australia’s innings, bringing them from a precarious position to a strong one. As he departed after his century, Smith expressed disappointment in the outcome, channelling his frustration into a powerful display of emotion, clearly indicating that he held himself to high standards.