Riding on Steve Smith’s belligerent 131, Australia put up 338 runs on the board, with India responding with 96/2 by stumps.
Describing Steve Smith as a ‘champion player’, Hussey told foxsports.com.au:
Hussey added that Steve Smith was positive right from the moment he stepped out to the middle, and that made a difference. The former player further elaborated in this regard:
While Steve Smith was the star of the day with his 131, Marnus Labuschagne fell agonisingly short of three figures. He was dismissed for 91, caught at first slip off Ravindra Jadeja.
Hussey believes that both Labuschagne and Steve Smith have hit form in the nick of time, with the fourth Test coming up at the Gabba in Brisbane, where Australia have been unbeaten since 1988.
While Steve Smith has an average of 64.33 at the Gabba, Labuschagne has scores of 81 and 185 in the two Test innings he has played there.
Michael Hussey disappointed with Australia’s collapse around Steve Smith’s 131
Despite Steve Smith’s century and Labuschagne’s 91, Australia only managed 338 in their first innings when they looked good for more.
Australia were 232 for 3 at one stage but collapsed following a terrible shot from Matthew Wade, with the left-hander trying to hit out against Ashwin. Hussey said that Australia should be disappointed with the final score. He said:
India ended Day 2 at the SCG on 96 for 2. Shubman Gill scored his maiden Test half-century before getting dismissed for 50, while Rohit Sharma scored 26 off 77 on his return to Test cricket.
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