Don’t write off champions: Nathan Lyon on Kohli’s recent batting slump
The Australian team must be hoping to take advantage of Virat Kohli’s prolonged batting slump when the two sides clash in the five-Test series for the Border-Gavaskar trophy
Australian batsman Steve Smith has become the second-fastest batsman to score 24 hundreds in Test cricket, with Don Bradman occupying the top spot.
On Thursday, Smith scored a magnificent 144-run knock to take Australia to 284 in their first innings in the first Ashes Test against England at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham.
The 30-year-old recorded his 24th Test hundred in 118th inning, 52 more than legendary batsman Bradman who achieved the feat in 66 innings.
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India skipper Virat Kohli is third on the list having taken 123 Test innings to score his 24 centuries, followed by Sachin Tendulkar who took 125 innings to achieve the milestone.
Talking about Smith, the former Australian skipper is now equal with Greg Chappell, Vivian Richards and Mohammad Yousuf on 24 tons in Test history. Only six Australia batsmen have more Test centuries than Smith.
Talking about the match, Australia won the toss and elected to bat against England in the first Ashes Test. Meanwhile, the English fans at Edgbaston greeted the Aussies with sandpaper and banners criticising the Aussies.
Smith, who made his comeback to the Australian side after a year ban due to the ball-tampering scandal, batted defiantly after the guests collapsed against attacking England pacers. Australia were reeling at 17 for 2 under overcast conditions when Smith came to the crease and dug in his heels to erect the Australian spine. At one stage, Australia were 122 for 8 but it was a masterclass from Smith that ensured Australia of 284 runs on the board before getting bundled up. By the end of day one, England were 10 for no loss.
(With inputs from IANS)
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