IND vs AUS 2023: Steve Smith lauds centurion Rohit Sharma after latter's majestic knock in Nagpur Test

Australia star batter Steve Smith lauded the praiseworthy innings carved out by centurion Rohit Sharma on Day 2 of the ongoing first Test in Nagpur between India and Australia. Team India is currently engaged in the first of the four-match Test series at the Vidarbha Cricket Association (VCA) Stadium in Nagpur. 

Despite losing wickets to debutant Todd Murphy, India skipper stood his ground and carved out a brilliant innings. The skipper registered a magnificent century (120 off 212 runs) on Day 2 as he led from the front to extend India's dominance.

The best Test batsman of this generation appreciating the hundred of Rohit. pic.twitter.com/ulQPZgTELg

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 10, 2023

The praiseworthy innings garnered appreciation from rival team’s star batter- Steve Smith. The flamboyant Aussie batter was seen ‘clapping’ as Rohit celebrated his ton in front of the Nagpur crowd. With his ton, Rohit became the first India skipper to slam centuries across all the formats. Prior to today's knock, he had hit three ODI centuries and two T20I tons as skipper.

Team India continue to dominate on Day 2

Though Murphy seemed unstoppable with the ball, the skipper steered his way to a century and put up a key 61-run stand with Jadeja for the sixth wicket. Following the dismissal of Rohit, Jadeja remained solid and registered a fifty after his five wickets on Day 1.

Axar Patel, who joined Jadeja at the crease, frustrated the opposition attack in the final hour of play and got to his fifty as he slammed eight boundaries. Jadeja and Axar remain unbeaten with scores of 66 and 52 runs at the end of Day 2.

The duo helped India extend the lead to 144 runs and will be on the lookout to build on the partnership to put up a competitive total on board. Meanwhile, Australia’s Todd Murphy scalped a five-wicket haul on his debut whereas veteran spinner Nathan Lyon and skipper Pat Cummins racked up a wicket each in India’s first batting innings.