Smith started the day on a high note, scoring his 32nd Test century, equaling the record set by former Australian captain Steve Waugh. He now sits second among Australian batters with the most Test centuries, just behind Ricky Ponting. Although Smith was dismissed soon after reaching the milestone, his century ensured that Australia’s score went beyond the 400-run mark.
One of the crucial moments of the day came when England was comfortably placed at 188/1 with two well-set batters. However, Australia’s strategic use of short-pitched deliveries caused England’s batting line-up to collapse. Ollie Pope and Ben Duckett fell in quick succession, followed by Joe Root, who survived a dismissal due to a no-ball from Cameron Green.
Root’s luck eventually ran out as Mitchell Starc claimed his wicket. Attempting a pull shot, Root mistimed the ball, which rose sharply and landed towards backward square fielder Smith.
Smith dove forward and seemingly took a brilliant catch, reminiscent of Cameron Green’s catch in the World Test Championship final against Shubman Gill. However, the replays indicated that the ball had touched the ground despite Smith’s efforts to scoop it.
Here’s the video:
Root’s dismissal triggered a collapse for England, as they went from 188/1 to 222/4. However, skipper Ben Stokes and Harry Brook formed an unbeaten partnership of 52 runs, stemming the tide of wickets. England still trails by 138 runs heading into day three, where they will aim to gain a lead in the match.
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