Australian batting genius Steven Smith has once again showcased his brilliance in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy. With yet another solid performance, Smith has continued his remarkable run against India in home conditions. Over the years, Smith’s first-innings scores against India on Australian soil have reflected his dominance and unmatched consistency, making him one of India’s biggest headaches.
Here’s a look at Smith’s 1st innings scores against India in Australia:
| Score | Venue | Match |
|---|---|---|
| 162* | Melbourne (MCG) | 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy |
| 133 | Brisbane (Gabba) | 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy |
| 192 | Melbourne (MCG) | 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy |
| 117 | Adelaide Oval | 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy |
| 1 | Perth Stadium | 2018-19 Border-Gavaskar Trophy |
| 0 | Melbourne (MCG) | 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy |
| 131 | Sydney Cricket Ground | 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy |
| 36 | Brisbane (Gabba) | 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy |
| 0 | Adelaide Oval | 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy |
| 2 | Perth Stadium | 2022-23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy |
| 100* | Brisbane (Gabba) | 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy |
A Record of Dominance
Steven Smith’s performances in the 1st innings at home against India are nothing short of spectacular. His standout scores of 192, 162*, and 133 during the 2014-15 series were instrumental in Australia’s stronghold over the Indian team at the time. That series alone marked Smith’s coming of age as a Test batter and cemented his reputation as one of the most reliable players in world cricket.
- 162 at MCG (2014):* A masterful unbeaten knock showcasing his ability to anchor the innings under pressure.
- 192 at MCG (2014): A career-defining performance that displayed Smith’s hunger for big scores.
- 100 at the Gabba (2024):* His most recent century reaffirms his brilliance and ability to counter the Indian attack, ending his brief lean patch.
Consistency and Rare Failures
While Smith has registered a couple of ducks (notably in Adelaide and Melbourne), his overall record remains outstanding. Out of 11 first innings against India at home, he has crossed the three-figure mark five times—a staggering feat that highlights his dominance.
Key Highlights
- 50+ scores: 6
- Centuries: 5
- Average: Over 65 in the 1st innings against India at home
These statistics solidify Smith as one of India’s biggest nemeses in Test cricket. His ability to score consistently in the first innings allows Australia to set up strong totals and put pressure on the opposition.