Steve Smith Joins Elite Company with 42nd Test Half-Century at MCG
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Melbourne, Dec 26 (NationPress) Australian cricketer Steve Smith recorded his 42nd Test half-century on the first day of the Boxing Day Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Thursday, adding his name to a prestigious list of players who have accomplished this remarkable feat.
Smith has now entered the ranks of cricket legends Ricky Ponting, Don Bradman, and Greg Chappell by achieving 10 or more scores of 50 or above in Tests at this iconic location.
This was Smith's 10th fifty-plus score at the MCG, in just his 12th Test at the ground, solidifying his status among the sport's greats. Chappell tops the list with 13 fifty-plus scores from 17 Tests, while Bradman (12 from 11 Tests) and Ponting (11 from 15 Tests) also make the cut.
Completing his half-century off 71 balls in the final session, Smith remained unbeaten at 68, with five fours and a six as stumps were called on Day 1. The Australian batting lineup had a strong performance, finishing the first day at 311/6 in 86 overs.
For Australia, 19-year-old debutant Sam Konstas scored 60 runs, while Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne contributed 57 and 72 runs, respectively, giving the home side a significant advantage in this vital match.
Australian captain Pat Cummins, who chose to bat first, ended the day not out on eight runs and will aim to extend his innings alongside Smith on Friday.
From the Indian team, pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah recorded impressive figures of 3-75 across 21 overs, while Akash Deep, Ravindra Jadeja, and Washington Sundar each took one wicket.
The ongoing five-Test Border-Gavaskar Trophy series is currently tied at 1-1, following a draw in the third Test in Brisbane. India won the series opener by 295 runs in Perth before suffering a 10-wicket defeat in the pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval.
