On day two of the Indore Test match, Steve Smith’s exceptional performance may prove critical in Australia’s attempt to narrow India’s series lead to just one Test.
During the second evening of the third Test, India was slowly making progress towards a potentially challenging fourth-innings target on a pitch that has exhibited significant turn and inconsistent bounce since the first day.
Cheteshwar Pujara was the driving force behind India’s effort, forming dangerous partnerships with Shreyas Iyer, R Ashwin, and Axar Patel. However, when India was leading by 68 runs at 155-7, Pujara hit a ball from Nathan Lyon from around the wicket behind square on the leg side.
Steve Smith then made a stunning one-handed catch low to his right to dismiss Pujara. This dismissal marked Lyon’s sixth wicket of the innings, leaving Axar as India’s last recognised batter as they attempted to post a competitive target.
India was eventually bowled out for 163, giving Australia a target of 76 to chase. The lowest successful target defended in a Test match is 84, accomplished by Australia against England at The Oval in 1882.
