Steve Smith Scorers Swashbuckling Century On Captaincy Debut

If anybody had any doubts about the appointment of Steve Smith as the new Australian Test captain, he or she need not worry. Not only has Smith responded to the above par first innings total of 408 set by India but also led from the front to counter that and put his country in a position to press hard and win this match. On his first innings as a captain he has produced a magnificent 133 off 191 balls with 13 boundaries and two over boundaries.

India has an inexperienced bowling attack, especially in these conditions but that will take nothing away from this innings. First impressions go a long way and going by his display on the field he is not being affected by nerves and like the chosen few has lifted his game along with this added responsibility. A lot of great players in the past have found the burden of captaincy unbearable. Thankfully Steve Smith is from the opposite camp, he raises his game with the added responsibility. Cricket Australia must be congratulated to have chosen the right man. The future of Australian cricket is in safe hands.

In the second Test Match at the Border Gavaskar Trophy Australia have put themselves in a commanding position thanks to the ton scored by the captain and contributions from almost everybody. Special mention must be given to Mitchell Johnson, who did not bowl particularly well but compensated by deflating the Indian team with a scintillating 88 off 93 balls. Chris Rogers and Mitchell Stark have made half centuries as well taking the lead to a match winning amount.

With two days left in the match Australia have plenty of time to dismiss the Indian batting line up in the second innings. Should they take a lead in the second innings; the home side have enough time to surmount it as well.