Australia are 7-517 at stumps on day two of the first Test against India in Adelaide with Michael Clarke (128) and Steve Smith both scored gutsy centuries.
It was a day interrupted with rain, but Smith proved relentless, remaining unbeaten on 161.
When Smith reached his century he made a beeline for the #408 marked on the outfield in respect of the recently departed Phillip Hughes.
“I had a bit of time as we had a bit of rain when I was on 98,” Smith commented. “I thought if I got the two more runs it would be nice to go over to the #408 and stick my bat in the air and say thanks to Hughesy for being with me all the way out there.”
Michael Clarke had retired hurt due to his problematic back when on 60 on the opening day but returned to notch his 27th Test century. Smith was delighted his skipper had come through.
“He was pretty keen to get out there,” Smith said. “He had a good hit this morning and it worked out well for him, and he just came out and played beautifully.
“I think a few shots hurt him, but he got himself into as many good positions as he could and manipulated the field a little bit as well.
“He played beautifully under the circumstances.”
“It’s been tough for all of us, but he’s spent the whole time by Hughesy’s families side and the strength and courage he showed throughout those times was unbelievable.
“So he must be mentally drained coming into this game,” he added, “but the way he played speaks volumes.
“He came out here and tried to do something for Hughesy and he certainly did that.”
With David Warner scoring a century on day one, Smith said: “We were all good mates with Hughesy and I was hoping all three of us would get runs.
“It worked out well for us in the end and it’s just nice for us to be in the position we are in now with 517 on the board in the first innings.
It sets us up for a good day tomorrow and the rest of the Test match.”
Bad light halted play late in the day.
James Buttler
As the editor of World Cricket Badger he is intent on building the website to give quality coverage of the domestic game around the world.
He is also the presenter of the Cricket Badger Radio Show on Radio Yorkshire every Tuesday evening between 7-9pm UK time.
James was the full-time Media Manager at Yorkshire County Cricket Club between 2007 and 2010.
James is a published author, a writer/video contributor to many cricket publications and a complete cricket badger!
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