Chapter 80

On the final day of the Test match between Australia and India, Steve Smith showcased his exceptional batting prowess as he went on to score his first double century. His strokeplay was a sheer delight to watch as he dismantled the Indian bowling attack with precision and elegance. Australia eventually declared their innings at 550/7, setting a challenging target for India. However, the visitors adopted a defensive approach in their innings, and the match ended in a draw.

The day began with Australia resuming their innings at 350/3, with Steve Smith leading the charge. Smith had already reached his century on the previous day and was hungry for more runs. He displayed remarkable composure and control as he continued to pile on the runs.

Harsha Bhogle: "Welcome to the final day of this captivating Test match. Steve Smith resumes his innings on an unbeaten century. He has been in sublime form, and India will be wary of his presence at the crease."

Murali Karthik: "Absolutely, Harsha. Smith has been the backbone of the Australian innings. His exquisite strokeplay and calm demeanor have put Australia in a commanding position. India needs early breakthroughs to make a comeback."

Smith's strokeplay was a treat for the eyes. His ability to find the gaps, time the ball to perfection, and manipulate the field demonstrated his exceptional talent. He played both attacking and defensive shots with equal proficiency, keeping the Indian bowlers guessing.

Harsha Bhogle: "Steve Smith's batting is a masterclass in itself. His shot selection and timing are impeccable. The Indian bowlers are finding it difficult to contain him."

Murali Karthik: "Indeed, Harsha. Smith's technique and temperament are second to none. He is making batting look so easy out there. The Indian bowlers need to come up with a plan to dismiss him."

As the day progressed, Smith continued to build his innings, forming crucial partnerships along the way. He found able support from the likes of Joe Burns and Mitchell Marsh, who contributed valuable runs to the Australian total.

Harsha Bhogle: "Steve Smith is proving to be an immovable force. He is threading together partnerships and taking Australia closer to a formidable total. The Indian bowlers need to find a breakthrough."

Murali Karthik: "Absolutely, Harsha. Smith's ability to build partnerships is remarkable. He is providing stability to the Australian innings and allowing the lower order to express themselves."

Smith's focus and determination were unwavering. He showed great patience, leaving the balls outside off stump and capitalizing on any scoring opportunities. As he approached the landmark of 200 runs, the Sydney Cricket Ground was buzzing with anticipation.

Harsha Bhogle: "Steve Smith is inching closer to his double century. The crowd is on the edge of their seats. This has been a remarkable innings from him."

Murali Karthik: "Indeed, Harsha. Smith's concentration and application have been exceptional. He has been the thorn in India's side throughout this innings. A double century beckons for him."

Finally, Smith reached the coveted milestone, becoming the first Australian captain to score a double century against India. The crowd erupted in applause, acknowledging his incredible achievement.

Harsha Bhogle: "What a moment for Steve Smith! He has notched up his first double century, a truly special feat. The Sydney Cricket Ground is on its feet, applauding this incredible innings."

Murali Karthik: "Absolutely, Harsha. Smith has been in a league of his own. His double century has laid the foundation for Australia's dominant position in this match. A phenomenal knock indeed."

With Smith's double century, Australia gained further momentum and continued to pile on the runs. The lower-order batsmen, including Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris, contributed valuable runs, frustrating the Indian bowlers.

Harsha Bhogle: "Australia's lower order is proving to be a thorn in India's side. Mitchell Johnson and Ryan Harris are playing their shots fearlessly, taking the Australian total to daunting heights."

Murali Karthik: "Indeed, Harsha. The Australian tail is wagging, adding valuable runs to their total. India's bowlers are finding it hard to break through. The Australian declaration seems imminent."

After a prolonged and dominant batting display, Australia eventually declared their innings at 550/7, setting a challenging target of 349 runs for India to win the match. It was a declaration that signaled Australia's confidence in their bowlers to take ten Indian wickets in the remaining overs.

Harsha Bhogle: "Australia has declared their innings! They have set a formidable target for India. Now it's up to the Indian batsmen to chase down this total or play out the remaining overs for a draw."

Murali Karthik: "Absolutely, Harsha. The Australian declaration shows their belief in their bowlers. India has a tough task ahead to either chase down the target or bat out the remaining overs."

In response to Australia's declaration, India adopted a defensive approach in their innings. The focus was on avoiding any potential collapses and securing a draw. The opening batsmen, Murali Vijay and Shikhar Dhawan, played with caution and avoided taking unnecessary risks.

Harsha Bhogle: "India's approach seems to be defensive. They are focusing on batting out the remaining overs and securing a draw. It will be interesting to see if they shift gears if wickets start falling."

Murali Karthik: "Indeed, Harsha. India's batsmen are displaying great patience and discipline. Their primary objective is to deny Australia any breakthroughs and ensure a draw. It's a calculated approach."

As the day progressed, India's batsmen continued to play defensively, frustrating the Australian bowlers. The likes of Vijay, Dhawan, and Kohli applied themselves diligently, demonstrating solid defensive techniques and resisting the temptation to play aggressive shots.

Harsha Bhogle: "India's batsmen are showing great resilience. They are playing defensively and avoiding any rash shots. It seems like their sole focus is on securing a draw."

Murali Karthik: "Absolutely, Harsha. India's batsmen are displaying excellent temperament and discipline. They are committed to batting out the remaining overs and denying Australia any chances."

As the overs ticked by, it became evident that a draw was the most likely outcome of the match. With no major breakthroughs for Australia and India's batsmen firmly entrenched, the result seemed inevitable.

Harsha Bhogle: "As the day progresses, it becomes increasingly clear that a draw is the most probable outcome. Both teams have played well, but it seems neither will be able to force a result."

Murali Karthik: "Indeed, Harsha. The match seems to be heading towards a draw. Australia's bowlers have tried their best, but the Indian batsmen have stood firm. Credit to both teams for their performances."

As the final few overs were played out, the match ended in a draw. Both teams congratulated each other for their performances and shared a well-deserved handshake.

Harsha Bhogle: "And it's a draw! The match has come to a close, and both teams have played their part. It has been a fiercely contested Test match, and a draw is a fair reflection of the performances."

Murali Karthik: "Absolutely, Harsha. The match was filled with exceptional individual performances and hard-fought battles. A draw seems like a fitting result. Both teams can hold their heads high."

As the players left the field, the match concluded with respect and admiration for each other's efforts. Although there was no outright winner, the Test match had provided fans with captivating moments of skill, resilience, and determination.