Steve Smith put a brief run of poor form behind him as his brilliant century held Australia’s batting together in the tight third Test against India in Sydney.
Smith was last man out for 131, his 27th Test century, as Australia were bowled out for 338. India reached stumps on day two on 96 for two, having lost Rohit Sharma (26) and Shubman Gill for a maiden Test 50.
After Marnus Labuschagne was dismissed for 91 following a stand of 100, Smith received little support, with no batsman from No5 down reaching 25 in the face of good bowling from India.
With the series level at 1-1, considerable uncertainty remains over where next week’s fourth and final Test will take place.
It is due to be at the Gabba, but Brisbane is going into a hard lockdown for at least three days after recording a case of Covid-19. India are not keen to travel to Brisbane.
