Australia’s vice-captain Steve Smith smashed a brilliant hundred on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test against India in Melbourne to take his team to a position of strength. While Smith scored a brilliant century, he also spoke on Virat Kohli’s knock in which he looked good at the crease.
Smith also shed light on the horrific mix-up between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli later in the day that started India’s collapse and tilted the scales in favor of the home team. India lost three wickets for six runs later in the day as they gave away a good position.
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Steve Smith on run out between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli
After the end of the day’s play, Steve Smith attended the press conference on behalf of the Australian team and spoke about the incidents that happened on the day. When asked about the run-out later in the day, Smith claimed that it was Yashsavi Jaiswal’s call but Virat Kohli sent him back.
“Looked like (Yashasvi) Jaiswal called and Virat (Kohli) sent him back. That’s about it. It’s important moment in scheme of play,” Smith was quoted as saying by Sports Express.
Looked like Jaiswal called and Virat sent him back. That’s about it. It’s important moment in scheme of play. #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/8arSjjzXB5
— Sports Express (@Xpress_Sports) December 27, 2024
Mix-up results in a run-out
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli were involved in an unfortunate mix-up later in the day which resulted in the former’s dismissal. Jaiswal drove a full ball to mid-on and immediately set off for a run.
However, Kohli was left ball-watching and didn’t even attempt for a run. By the time Kohli could realize anything, the opener was with him at the non-striker’s end. Pat Cummins at mid-on threw the ball to Alex Carey who whipped the bails off in a flash.
Steve Smith speaks on Virat Kohli’s knock
Meanwhile, Steve Smith was also asked about Virat Kohli’s short innings in which he was dismissed later in the day. Smith reminded everyone of Kohli’s masterclass in Perth and claimed that he looked in good touch in this innings as well.
“(Virat) Kohli is a class player – He played well in Perth, looked good today – Thought we were in for a masterclass, fortunately (Scott) Boland got one,” Smith noted.
Steve Smith said “Kohli is a class player – He played well in Perth, looked good today – Thought we were in for a masterclass, fortunately Boland got one”. [Sports Express] pic.twitter.com/ymM1tcG5WT
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) December 27, 2024
Virat Kohli scored an impressive 36 off 86 balls in this innings. He stitched an important partnership of 102 runs for the third wicket with Yashasvi Jaiswal and helped India recover after being 2-51.
However, his concentration broke down after Jaiswal’s wicket and he was dismissed while chasing a wide delivery from Scott Boland. It was a big dismissal from Australia’s point of view as Kohli was looking in supreme touch.
The 36-year-old left the ball well and played the ball on its merit. As he played more balls, his confidence increased and he started playing more shots. But he was unfortunately dismissed later in the day. Kohli struck 4 fours during his knock.