Smith century puts Australia on top

Melbourne, Dec 27 (CRICKETNMORE): A career best score of 192 by Australian skipper Steven Smith put his team on top at the end of day 2 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) here Saturday. India ended the day for 108/1 and still trailling by 422 runs.

Earlier, Australia resumed the day at 259 for five with the game in the balance and Smith on 72, accompanied by Haddin on 23. The duo added 110 runs for the sixth wicket before Haddin was dismissed by Mohammad Shami for a well played 55. Smith continued his batting form and scored his third centry of the series. He received valuable support from Haddin (55), Mitchell Johnson (28) and Harris (74) at the MCG. Smith was the last batsman to be dismissed for 192 with team score of 530. Smith faced 305 balls and hit 15 furs and two sixes. The right-handed batsman's imperious form saw him become only the 13th Australian to score centuries in three consecutive Tests. Smith's centuries in Brisbane and here Saturday made him the first Australian to score two centuries in their first two Tests as captain.

Shami was the most successful bowler for the Indians, claiming four wickets for 138 runs from 29 overs. He was followed by Yadav and spinner Ravichandran Ashwin, both taking three wickets each.

India were 108 for one at stumps with Murali Vijay (55 batting) and Cheteshwar Pujara (25 batting) at the crease. Shikhar Dhawan (28) was the lone batsman dismissed by pacer Ryan Harris. Pujara was dropped on 12 by wicket-keeper Brad Haddin off Josh Hazlewood.