Smith century puts Australia in control

A resurgent Steve Smith crunched his second century in as many Tests as Australia built a daunting total on day two of the fourth Test against India in Melbourne on Friday.

Australia were bowled out for 474 in their first innings on the second day, with Steve Smith making 140.

Resuming at their overnight 311-6, they were removed in the 10th over after lunch.

Smith made his 34th Test century before a bizarre dismissal, with the ball bouncing off his pads as he danced down the pitch and trickling onto leg stump to dislodge a bail.

Smith also scored a ton at the last Test in Brisbane — his first since June 2023 — with the latest his 34th in his 113th match.

It moves him alongside four other players on the all-list of century-makers, including Sunil Gavaskar and Brian Lara.

Only six players have scored more, led by Sachin Tendulkar’s 51.

Paceman Jasprit Bumrah was the pick of the bowlers with 4-99, while spinner Ravindra Jadeja took 3-78.