Australia vice-captain Steve Smith smashed a brilliant hundred on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test against India in Melbourne to take his side into a position of strength. While Smith scored a brilliant century, he also spoke about Virat Kohli's knock where he looked good at the crease.
Smith also shed light on the horrendous mix-up between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli later in the day that started India's collapse and tipped the scales in favor of the home side. India lost three wickets for six runs later in the day as they gave away a good position.
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Steve Smith at run out between Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli
After the day's play was over, Steve Smith attended the press conference on behalf of the Australian team and spoke about the day's incidents. When asked about the run-out later in the day, Smith claimed it was Yashsavi Jaiswal's call but Virat Kohli sent it back.
“It looked like (Yashasvi) Jaiswal called and Virat (Kohli) sent him back. That's it. It's an important moment in the scheme of the game,” Smith was quoted as saying by Sports Express.
It looked like Jaiswal called and Virat sent him back. That's about it. It's an important moment in the game plan. #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/8arSjjzXB5
— Sports Express (@Xpress_Sports) December 27, 2024
Confusion results in exhaustion
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Virat Kohli were involved in an unfortunate mix-up later in the day which led to the former's dismissal. Jaiswal drove a full ball on middle and immediately went on the run.
However, Kohli kept his eye on the ball and didn't even try to run. By the time Kohli realized something, the opener was with him at the non-striker's end. Pat Cummins, in the middle, bowled the ball to Alex Carey, who got the bails out in a flash.
Steve Smith talks about 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 master class in Perth and claimed that he showed that he looked good in this innings as well.
“(Virat) Kohli is a class player – He played well in Perth, he looked good today – I thought we had a masterclass, luckily (Scott) Boland got one,” Smith noted.
Steve Smith said: “Kohli is a class player – He played well in Perth, he looked good today – I thought we had a masterclass, luckily 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 put on an important 102-run third-wicket partnership with Yashasvi Jaiswal and helped India recover from being 2-51.
However, his concentration broke after the wicket of Jaiswal and he was dismissed while chasing a wide delivery from Scott Boland. It was a big rejection from Australia's point of view as Kohli looked in supreme touch.
The 36-year-old left the ball well and played the ball well. As he played more balls, his confidence grew and he started playing more shots. But unfortunately he was fired later in the day. Kohli hit 4 wickets during his knock.