Australian skipper scores third hundred of the series after splendid three-figure efforts in Pune and Ranchi
Australian captain Steven Smith celebrates after reaching his century in Dharamsala on Saturday. Pic/AFP
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Half-way through Saturday's first session on the first day of the fourth Test when Steven Smith has passed 50, a spectator echoed the thoughts of one billion people in India: "This guy just doesn't get out."
The spectator was spot on — three centuries in four Tests. India have tried almost everything to dislodge the Australian skipper, but have ended up losing the battle for the last six weeks. In Pune, he put out a masterclass on a rank turner; in Ranchi he grinded the Indians into the dust by patiently manoeuvring balls around the field and then finally on a pitch with a bit of pace in Dharamsala, he was more expansive as he controlled the tempo of the match from the outset.
While all three innings have been unique, the initial phase of the three has been identical — playing straight and avoiding driving off the front foot. It was his approach after the first 15 balls in Dharamsala that reflected a batsman at the absolute peak of his powers.
In Pune and Ranchi, he predominantly hit through the leg-side, but here he showed his ability to score on the off-side. Every time the Indian bowlers tried to stop him from scoring through one side of the wicket, he retaliated by hitting balls on the opposite side of the field.
Great batsmen know the right time to dominate and after scoring eight off the first 15 balls, Smith put the Indian bowlers under the pump by scoring 32 from the next 29 balls with six glorious fours. In a blink of an eye, Smith had changed the tempo of the match.
Similarly, as Australia lost wickets around him, he decided to change his own rhythm. He worked balls into gaps and tightened his technique. Throughout the series he has tortured Ravichandran Ashwin with his batsmanship, so much so that at one stage it seemed he could play the World No 2 spinner with blinkers on.
A score of 111 out of Australia's 300 — one has to ponder where would Australia be without him.
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