‘Innings aise khelo ki 4 nahi, 130 Cr log roye’ - Fans react as Steve Smith smashes 31st Test ton in WTC 2023 final against India

On 7 June 2023, the stage was set for India and Australia as the final of the World Test Championship (WTC) began. After winning the toss, India opted to bowl and had a good start by taking three wickets for 76 runs in 24.1 overs. But, after that, Travis Head and Steve Smith played throughout the day as the Aussies finished day one with 327 runs for three wickets in 85 overs. 

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Travis Head remained not out on 146* runs while Smith scored 95* runs. Som on day two, all eyes were on Smith as another century was on the cards for the Aussie batter. However, he did not disappoint as he completed his 31st Test ton just two balls into the day by smashing two boundaries off Mohammed Siraj.

Ninth Test ton for Steve Smith against India 

The Oval has always been a happy hunting ground for Steve Smith in the longest format of the game. Before this clash, he had an average of 97.75 with 391 runs in five innings. He had also two centuries and one fifty. So, this time also Smith continued his form at this ground and smashed Indian bowlers all around the park. After the wicket of David Warner for 43 runs off 60 balls, Smith came out to bat at number four. However, he failed to stitch a big partnership with Marnus Labuschagne as he got out on 26 runs.

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Then, he and Head saw off the whole day one with an unbeaten partnership of 251* runs. But, on day two, Head finally got out on 163 runs off 174 balls and their partnership for the fourth wicket ended with 285 runs. Smith however still batting as this was his ninth Test century against the Men in Blue. Overall across all formats, it was his 43rd international century. He scored the century off 229 balls, including 16 boundaries. Seeing such a knock, fans lauded the Aussie batter and shared their views on social media. 

Here is how fans have reacted to the ton of Smith:

Test Cricket King 👑

— phøtøn⁹⁷ (@Red_Mercury__) June 8, 2023

World class bowlers Chirag, Mami and co.

— AJ 2.0 (@AJLP78) June 8, 2023

Australia winning wtc championship

— vijay45 (@Vijay77728) June 8, 2023

pic.twitter.com/yBFWJqz96u

— An$hu ॐ (@haramii_balak12) June 8, 2023

NO INDIAN PLAYER HAS EVER MADE 100 IN ICC FINAL.

— Mrinango C.Borty (VK fan) (@ViratKo66279185) June 8, 2023

one of the finest ever in test cricket 🔥🙌

— Captain (@iEatCricket) June 8, 2023

The best of this era .. truly goat

— Nitin jain(Sachinsuperfan) (@NitinSachinist) June 8, 2023

GOAT of Tests 🐐

— Aarav (@sigma__male_) June 8, 2023