Twitter Reactions: Steve Smith fights on satisfactory day for Australia in Melbourne

Smith put his head down for an unbeaten 192-ball 77 on the opening day.

By Sabyasachi Chowdhury

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Steve Smith
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Steve Smith. (Photo by Mike Owen/Getty Images)

Both Australia and New Zealand will be satisfied with proceedings on the opening Day of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The Black Caps didn’t let any partnership turn monumental and also kept a check on the run-flow. For the Aussies, a lot will depend on Steve Smith, who remained unbeaten after the first day’s play with the hosts ending on 257/4 in 90 overs.

Australia keep the scoreboard moving

The Kiwis got off to an incredible start after electing to field first. Trent Boult castled Joe Burns for a golden duck in the very first over. David Warner (41) and Marnus Labuschagne (63) restored sanity into proceedings with a 60-run stand. Neil Wagner came to the party and got rid of the in-form Warner in the 22nd over before Australia went into Lunch at 67 for the loss of a couple of wickets.

Thereafter, Steve Smith (77*) and Labuschagne took charge and added 83 runs for the third wicket. Labuschagne, patiently, got to his fifty off 132 balls, but couldn’t carry on. Colin de Grandhomme rattled his woodwork to pick the third Aussie wicket. Matthew Wade (38), who had a pretty rough time in the Day-Night Perth Test, joined Smith in the middle and had the chance of making amends.

Steve Smith stands his ground

The duo carried the Aussies to Test with the score at 155 for three in 55 overs. Smith and Wade’s partnership fetched 72 runs and it also took the home team past the 200-run mark. Wade was looking good, having hit three fours, however, De Grandhomme found his outside-edge to cut short his knock. In the final session, Smith showed resilience and notched yet another fifty off 103 balls.

Smith didn’t have a great Test series against Pakistan due to which Virat Kohli leapfrogged him as ICC’s number-one Test batter. Smith slowed down in the last session and didn’t give his wicket away. Travis Head (25) also didn’t succumb to the pressure and gave Smith company in an unbeaten stand of 41 off 99 balls. Smith and Head will be looking to turn the screws on New Zealand on Day two.

Here is how Twitter reacted to the first day’s play  

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