Steve Smith’s sensational average against India

Steve Smith hit his sixth score of 150-plus in Tests, third against India, and in the company of first Glenn Maxwell – who scored his maiden Test century – and later Matthew Wade, took Australia’s total to 401/7 at the lunch interval.

But Smith and Maxwell frustrated the home side, lasting more than half of the day’s play out in the middle.

Not only has Maxwell hit an unbeaten 82 but has also added 159 for the fifth wicket with captain Steve Smith.

There were two sixes and an errant reverse-sweep that nearly ended his innings but, for the most part, it was the sort of sensible batting that Australia had craved at No.6 for so long.

A Steven Smith century and his sterling partnership with comeback man Glenn Maxwell, along with an untimely Virat Kohli injury, put Australia firmly in the driver’s seat after Day 1 of the Ranchi Test against India.

The 2nd session of the second day’s game fell into the Indian laps after the Aussie batting collapsed totally fro 451 runs and Ravindra Jadeja emerging out as the most successful Indian bowler who took another five-wicket haul of his career.

If the Australians scored slowly in Bangalore, the pace at which they scored in Ranchi atleast on Day 1 was better. He just got in a nice classical defensive position behind Umesh Yadav’s ball of the day does the remaining work.

Australia was 5/332 when Maxwell departed.

The right-hander, known more for his explosive limited-overs exploits, played a controlled 185-ball knock laced with nine fours and two sixes before falling to Jadeja. India stuck with their fast bowlers for a while, but showing alacrity at a time when a breakthrough was needed, Jadeja was brought in.

The visitors were 299 for four at stumps after electing to bat first in their 800th Test at a venue which is hosting its first ever five-day global, with Smith unbeaten on 117 and Maxwell on 82.

On Friday, Smith and Maxwell both roared with delight when the latter reached three figures.