new delhi: australian batsman Steve Smith On Thursday, he joined an exclusive group of exceptional cricketers to score his 42nd half-century in the game. boxing day test to india Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).
Smith joins cricket legend as part of elite group Ricky Ponting, Don Bradman and Greg Chappellthey scored 10 or more 50-plus scores in Tests at this historic venue.
The milestone marked Smith’s 10th fifty-plus score in his 12th Test at the MCG. Chappell holds the record with 13 runs in 17 Tests, while Bradman (12 in 11 Tests) and Ponting (11 in 15 Tests) also feature on the list.
Smith, who remained unbeaten on 68 which included five boundaries and one six, had reached his half-century off 71 deliveries in the final game. Australia ended the first day strongly with 311/6 in 86 overs.
Young debutant Sam Konstas scored an impressive 60, while Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne scored 57 each points and 72 made a huge contribution to put Australia in the lead.
Australia captain Pat Cummins, who won the toss and elected to bat, remained unbeaten on eight runs and will resume batting alongside Smith on day two.
India’s leading bowler is Jasprit Bumrahhe took 3-75 in 21 overs while Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja and Washington Sundar picked up one wicket each .
this Border-Gavaskar Trophy The series is level 1-1 after a draw in Brisbane. India won the first Test in Perth by 295 runs but lost by 10 runs in the day-night Test at Adelaide Oval.
