Smith’s Superlative Display – Reliving Steve Smith’s Best Test Performances against India

On June 7, Australia will go head-to-head against India in the much-anticipated World Test Championship (WTC) final at The Oval, London. In this crucial battle for the WTC mace, the role of Australian vice-captain Steve Smith will be vital. Known for his extraordinary batting skills, especially in the longest format of the game, Smith’s average of 59.81 speaks volumes about his prowess.

Smith has often displayed his brilliance against India, amassing 1887 runs in 18 Tests against them, with an impressive average of 65.07. His remarkable record includes five fifties and eight centuries against the subcontinental giants. Notably, Smith has excelled both on home soil and away in India, leaving a lasting impact on the matches he has played.

As Smith celebrates his 34th birthday on June 2, let’s take a look at his top three Test innings against India in anticipation of the crucial WTC final.

#3 192 in Melbourne, 2014

During India’s tour of Australia in 2014-15, Smith’s batting reached new heights. With Michael Clarke injured after the first Test, Smith was appointed as the captain for the remaining matches. In the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Smith showcased his exceptional skills. After impressive half-centuries from Chris Rogers and Shane Watson, Smith unleashed a magnificent onslaught on the Indian bowlers. He scored his third century of the series, accumulating a stunning 192 runs. Although he fell just eight runs short of a double century, his phenomenal knock ensured that Australia retained the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

#2 178* in Ranchi, 2017

Smith’s batting mastery was on full display during Australia’s tour of India in 2017. With the four-match series leveled at 1-1 after two matches, the third Test in Ranchi was crucial for both teams. In the face of a challenging situation, Smith led from the front. He formed a solid partnership with Glenn Maxwell after Australia found themselves at 140/4. Together, they defied the threat of Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, constructing outstanding centuries. Smith remained unbeaten on a monumental 178 runs, guiding Australia to a first-innings total of 451. Despite the need to save the Test on the final day, Australia showed resilience and accomplished the task, thanks to a determined vigil led by Shaun Marsh and Peter Handscomb.

#1 109 in Pune, 2017

Considered one of Smith’s finest Test innings to date, his remarkable 109 in Pune showcased his exceptional skills on a treacherous turner. Battling extremely difficult conditions for batting, Smith exhibited immense concentration and determination, steering Australia towards a commanding position. In the first innings, Australia managed a total of 260 before Steve O’Keefe wreaked havoc with astounding figures of 6/35, dismissing India for just 105 runs. In the second innings, Smith faced multiple close shaves but maintained his composure on the challenging pitch. He extended Australia’s lead to a substantial 439 runs, paving the way for a famous overseas victory. O’Keefe replicated his exceptional performance from the first innings, taking 6/35 again as the Aussies triumphed by a massive 333-run margin.

As Steve Smith prepares to lead Australia in the WTC final against India, his incredible Test performances against them serve as a testament to his batting prowess. With his ability to thrive in challenging conditions and deliver match-winning innings, Smith is undoubtedly a key player for Australia. As the cricketing world eagerly awaits the clash at The Oval, fans anticipate another unforgettable performance from Smith, hoping that he will contribute significantly to Australia’s pursuit of their maiden WTC triumph.