SYDNEY (AP) – Steve Smith scored a half-century and passed one of Don Bradman’s milestones today as he led Australia to 251 for six in their second innings on the fourth day of the fourth cricket Test against India, a lead of 348 runs.
Smith made 71 off 70 balls and surpassed Bradman’s record of most runs in an Australia-India series, helping Australia position for a likely overnight declaration and pursuit of victory on the last day at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Chris Rogers made 56 – his sixth consecutive half century – and Joe Burns smashed 66 off 39 balls, including three sixes, as Australia chased quick runs and fading light during the final session.
“It’s just nice to be contributing for Australia,” said Burns, who is playing his second Test. “You want to be contributing for the team on such a big occasion. It means a lot more to go out there and make 50 in both innings.
“But I want to come back tomorrow and win the Test match for Australia – that’s what we would be after first and foremost.”
Burns and Brad Haddin (31 not out) combined for a rapid 86-run partnership from 8.4 overs to stretch the lead beyond the highest successful fourth-innings run chase at the SCG – that is 288, achieved by Australia against South Africa in 2006.
That record, the difficulty of batting last on Sydney’s turning pitches, and the safety of already having the series secured meant an overnight declaration was expected, unlike in the previous drawn Test in Melbourne where stand-in skipper Smith was criticised by some for batting on too long.
Summarised scores:
Australia 572-7 dec’d (Steve Smith 117, David Warner 101, Chris Rogers 95, Shane Watson 81; Mohammad Shami 5-112) and 251-6 (Steve Smith 71, Joe Burns 66, Chris Rogers 56; Ravi Ashwin 4-105). India 475 (Virat Kohli 147, Lokesh Rahul 110, Rohit Sharma 53; Mitchell Starc 3-106, Shane Watson 2-58, Ryan Harris 2-96). Australia lead by 348.
