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A snapshot of day two of the third cricket Test between Australia and India at the SCG.
AUSTRALIA v INDIA, THIRD TEST, DAY TWO:
Score: Australia 338, India 2-96
Summary: Australia were in a strong position to post an imposing total but lost 8-132, starting with Marnus Labuschagne's dismissal on 91. Wickets kept tumbling at the other end as Steve Smith powered to a score of 131, his first Test ton since the 2019 Ashes in England. India's openers shared a composed 70-run stand then both got out, setting the stage for an intriguing third day.
Man of the moment: Smith. The superstar had been averaging 3.3 in this series prior to delivering a clutch century at his home ground. The maestro exhibited trademark tics and theatrics while scoring freely, calling loudly between the wickets and using his hand to plot virtual replays of countless deliveries. It was fitting that something special - a direct hit from Ravindra Jadeja - ended the knock.
Key moment: Josh Hazlewood holds onto a return catch offered by Rohit Sharma in the 27th over of India's innings. Australia's first breakthrough came later than Tim Paine would have liked but triggered a significant shift in momentum.
Stat of the day: Hazlewood celebrated his 300th international wicket on his 30th birthday.
Quote of the day: "I'm reading a lot of things people say, that I'm out of form ... nice to score a few and maybe keep a few people quiet," Smith told Fox Sports.
