Melbourne, Dec 27 (V7N) – Australian batting maestro Steve Smith once again proved to be India's nemesis, notching up his 11th Test century against the subcontinental side. His unbeaten 139 guided Australia to a commanding 454-7 at lunch on day two of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Smith's effort was complemented by a crucial 112-run partnership with skipper Pat Cummins, who fell just short of his half-century on 49. The pair resumed on 311-6, taking full advantage of the cooler, overcast conditions to pile on the runs and put Australia in a dominant position.

Cummins was dismissed by Ravindra Jadeja, caught by Nitish Kumar Reddy in the covers, but not before frustrating the Indian attack with his gritty knock. Mitchell Starc joined Smith at the crease, contributing a quickfire 15 and hammering Jasprit Bumrah for a six over long-on before the break.

Smith, who had ended a century drought in Brisbane during the third Test, continued his resurgence. His 34th Test century, the second in this series, was brought up with a sublime off-drive to the boundary. India's bowlers struggled to contain him, with Mohammed Siraj enduring a torrid time, conceding 115 runs without a wicket.

Siraj, still feeling the heat from fans after his on-field aggression in Adelaide, was expensive and erratic, sending two bouncers over wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant for ten byes. Smith further compounded Siraj’s woes with a six and a four off successive balls.

India's bowlers failed to capitalize on their strong finish to day one, where they took four wickets in the final session. Despite Ravindra Jadeja's efforts, the attack lacked penetration and discipline, allowing the Australians to dictate terms.

India’s players wore black armbands as a mark of respect for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who passed away on Thursday at the age of 92.

With the series locked at 1-1, the Melbourne Test could prove pivotal. Australia’s imposing total will challenge India, who need a resilient batting effort to stay in contention and set up a decider in Sydney.

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