Published By: Sanchari Das

BGT 2024-25: The Best of Steve Smith Against India

As he prepares for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, his track record against India speaks volumes

Steve Smith is gearing up for one of his career's most crucial Test series. The Australian star has a golden chance to reaffirm his dominance as the Border-Gavaskar Trophy begins on his home soil in Perth on November 22. The stakes are incredibly high, and Australia and India are battling to maintain their ICC World Test Championship rankings.

Despite a recent dip in form, Smith's record against India is extraordinary. In 19 Tests, he has scored 2,042 runs at an average of 65.87, including nine centuries and five fifty. On Australian soil, his numbers soar even higher—1,082 runs in 16 innings at a staggering average of 83.23, with five centuries. This series could be the perfect stage for Smith to launch another peak in his Test career. Let's relive four iconic innings that define his greatness against India.

A commanding 162* in Adelaide (2014)

The 2014-15 Border-Gavaskar Trophy began with a bang at the Adelaide Oval, where Smith showcased his mastery in the longest format. After Australia opted to bat, the team piled on a massive 517/7 declared, thanks to centuries from David Warner and Michael Clarke. Yet Smith's unbeaten 162 off 231 balls stood out.

Displaying elegant strokeplay, Smith smashed 21 boundaries, frustrating India's bowlers. His knock solidified Australia's dominance and ensured they capitalised on a good start. Even Virat Kohli's heroic twin centuries couldn't stop the hosts, as Australia secured a 48-run victory to take a 1-0 series lead.

Leading from the front: 192 at MCG (2014)

Smith carried his exceptional form into the third Test of the 2014-15 series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Batting first, Australia faced early setbacks, losing Chris Rogers and Shane Watson cheaply. Smith stepped up again, playing a marathon innings of 192 off 305 balls, anchoring the team to a solid total of 530.

His knock, studded with 15 boundaries and two sixes, was a masterclass in patience and precision. Facing a fierce Indian bowling attack led by Ishant Sharma and Mohammed Shami, Smith held firm. Despite his brilliance, the Test ended in a draw, with India's batters ensuring parity.

Heroics in Ranchi: 178* (2017)

In the critical third Test of the 2017 series, Smith showcased his unshakeable focus at Ranchi. The series tied 1-1. The visitors batted first on a flat surface. Australia had a decent start with David Warner and Matt Renshaw but quickly stumbled to 89/3 after losing their openers and Mitchell Marsh cheaply.

Smith steadied the innings, playing a marathon knock of 178* off 361 balls. His innings, featuring 17 boundaries, took Australia to a competitive 451. Despite Smith's heroics, India countered with Cheteshwar Pujara's double century and Wriddhiman Saha's century. The Test ended in a hard-fought draw, with Smith standing tall as Australia's saviour.

Defiance at SCG: 131 in a heated contest (2021)

The 2020-21 Border-Gavaskar Trophy will always be remembered for its dramatic turns. After India's infamous collapse for 36 in Adelaide, they roared back at the MCG to level the series. With momentum shared, the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) became the stage for an electrifying contest. Australia began confidently, with Will Pucovski and Marnus Labuschagne building a solid foundation.

Pucovski's 62 gave way to Smith's arrival, and the former No.1 Test batter wasted no time asserting dominance. Smith played precisely, dismantling India's plans and accumulating a masterful 131 off 226 balls. His innings, however, ended with a rare run-out. Despite his heroics, Australia's inability to break through India's resistance meant the match concluded in a draw, setting up an unforgettable finale.