Steve Smith Misses Maiden Test Double Ton but Australia Flatten India

Steve Smith in only his second Test as Australia captain, missed a maiden double Test ton on Day 2 of the third Test vs India, when he was bowled by Umesh Yadav for 192. The hosts, who had resumed Saturday on 259/5, were bowled out for a daunting 530  (Live Blog | Live Scorecard)

Continuing on an overnight score of 72, Smith started the day with a glorious shot through covers off Shami and orchestrated the shift of momentum to his side from the visitors. Smith, standing in as captain for the injured Michael Clarke, raced away to his seventh Test hundred and third in succession. This was also Smith's second hundred as Test skipper.

Smith benefitted in the company of Brad Haddin, who shrugged off a long-drawn lean patch to blaze to a swift half-century. The Indian attack erred in line and length as the duo punished the plenty of lose deliveries on offer. Such was their impact that Australia clobbered 130 runs in the morning session.

Smith was made to toil on the opening day thanks to some disciplined Indian bowling. Australia also lost some key wickets at crucial junctures and that would have tied Smith's hands. However, on Saturday, Smith broke lose and relied more on his naturally aggressive game to help his side steer forward against the hapless tourists.

Smith shared another useful stand with Ryan Harris (74) and once the latter perished, Smith sent the Indians on a wild leather chase. The boundaries came at an alarming consistency - Smith was well within sight of a much-deserved double hundred but decided to keep playing his shots, perishing for the cause of the team.