"What a comeback story" - Fans hail Steve Smith for breathtaking 34th Test century in 4th BGT 2024-25 Test

Fans were impressed by Australia's star batter Steve Smith who continued his batting resurgence with a brilliant century on Day 2 (Friday, December 27) of the Boxing Day Test against India in Melbourne. After being in a form slump this year, Smith broke out with a hard-fought century in the previous game in Brisbane.

The 35-year-old made it back-to-back tons with a sparkling display in front of a packed Melbourne crowd. It was Smith's 34th Test century, drawing him level with four legendary batters - Sunil Gavaskar, Brian Lara, Mahela Jayawardene, and Younis Khan. He is now seventh on the list for most Test tons.

The champion batter also became the first to score 10 centuries in Border-Gavaskar Trophy history, breaking a tie with Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar (9). The century was also Smith's fifth in Melbourne and an incredible 11th against India (most by any batter in Tests against them).

Fans on X/Twitter praised Smith for his magnificent knock with the following reactions:

Fans continued hailing Smith for his sensational century, with one saying:

"He decided to take every bowler now on. Steve smith is making statements."

"What a comeback story for Steve Smith!! The Brisbane grinding is paying dividends," tweeted a fan.

"Steve unstoppable Smith is back to his best. One of the finest century of his career," a fan said.

Steve Smith's heroics put Australia in dominant position on Day 2 of Boxing Day Test

Steve Smith's breathtaking century has propelled Australia to a dominant position of 454/7 at Lunch on the second day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. After winning the toss and batting first, the hosts have been at their attacking best.

Half-centuries from their top three - Sam Konstas, Usman Khawaja, and Marnus Labuschagne - on Day 1 set things up for Smith to take charge. The veteran batter did not disappoint as he has smashed 13 boundaries and three maximums thus far in his knock of 139* off 194 deliveries.

Smith added an incredible 71 runs in the morning session of Day 2, with skipper Pat Cummins providing tremendous support (49) as Australia helped themselves from a tricky 311/6 at Stumps on Day 1.

With the five-match series tied at 1-1, Australia have placed themselves in pole position with this brilliant batting performance to take an unassailable 2-1 lead.