Australia vs India: Steve Smith’s masterclass at the SCG agonisingly ends after Ravindra Jadeja’s direct-hit

Steve Smith didn’t make the greatest of starts to the 2020-21 Border Gavaskar Trophy, scoring only 10 runs at an average of 3.33. It was pretty uncharacteristic of the 31-year-old since he’s ruled the roost as far as the ICC Test rankings are concerned. But a player of Smith’s calibre can’t remain in his shell for long. Can he? It was only a matter of time before the ‘Devereux’ hit back.

The right-hander got back his rhythm in Sydney, the very venue where he has grown up playing cricket from his childhood. India faced his wrath in the third Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground when he smashed 131 runs off 226 balls with the help of 16 fours. The veteran kept piercing the field to the best of his ability and made the visitors sweat during his stay in the middle.

Steve Smith shows why he’s the best

His knock was an absolute treat to the eyes as he accomplished his 27th Test ton at the SCG. A bit of a dip in form has pushed him down in the ICC Test rankings, but he might soon get the top spot back if he keeps on showing his class at a frequent basis. During his masterclass, he got the apt support from Marnus Labuschagne, who scored 91 runs and missed out on his century.

Even as wickets kept falling at the other end, Smith didn’t lose his composure and kept milking the bowling. Once he reached his ton, he started pressing the accelerator. Mitchell Starc, with a 24-ball 30, lent him support lower down the order. Smith used the crease to good effect and started looking at his ominous best, but he perished, agonisingly, against the run of play.

It happened in the 105th over of the Australian innings when he tried to go for a double to retain the strike. Though Josh Hazlewood isn’t the worst with the bat, Smith decided to keep the strike. But standing at backward square-leg was Ravindra Jadeja, who pulled off a direct hit to end his stay. After the ball hit the stumps, Smith, pretty much, knew that he was dismissed.

Here’s the video: –

Orgasmic stuff 🔥 #Jaddu pic.twitter.com/0AmtVw1OoZ

— ✨☬ (@Kourageous__) January 8, 2021