India vs Australia 2020-21: Steve Smith scores 9th ODI century, scripts records

India and Australia are engaged in a tough contest in the opening One-Day International (ODI), in Sydney, on Friday. Meanwhile, Australia posted a mammoth total of 374/6, courtesy twin centuries from Aaron Finch and Steve Smith, while the latter scored a special one.

<p>Australia opener Steve Smith was glad to be back playing international cricket on home turf, as he played a blistering knock of 105 in the first One-Day International (ODI) against India, at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday. It was a record-scripting knock, as Australia posted a mammoth total of 374/6.</p>

Australia opener Steve Smith was glad to be back playing international cricket on home turf, as he played a blistering knock of 105 in the first One-Day International (ODI) against India, at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Friday. It was a record-scripting knock, as Australia posted a mammoth total of 374/6.

<p>Coming in to bat at number three, in the 28th over, Smith scored his half-century in just 36 deliveries, which was followed by the ton, in only 62 balls. His innings consisted of 11 fours and four sixes, along with a strike-rate of 159.09. Consequently, he scripted some records in the process.</p>

Coming in to bat at number three, in the 28th over, Smith scored his half-century in just 36 deliveries, which was followed by the ton, in only 62 balls. His innings consisted of 11 fours and four sixes, along with a strike-rate of 159.09. Consequently, he scripted some records in the process.

<p><strong>Third-fastest ODI century by an Australian: </strong>In just 62 deliveries, Smith became the third-fastest Australian to score a ton in the format. He is led by James Faulkner (57) and Glenn Maxwell (51).</p>

Third-fastest ODI century by an Australian: In just 62 deliveries, Smith became the third-fastest Australian to score a ton in the format. He is led by James Faulkner (57) and Glenn Maxwell (51).

<p><strong>Fifth-fastest against India:</strong> Meanwhile, it is also the fifth-fastest century against India in the format. Smith is led by AB de Villiers (58 and 57), James Faulkner (57) and Shahid Afridi (45).</p>

Fifth-fastest against India: Meanwhile, it is also the fifth-fastest century against India in the format. Smith is led by AB de Villiers (58 and 57), James Faulkner (57) and Shahid Afridi (45).

<p><strong>Joint-most ODI centuries at SCG:</strong> While it was Smith's ninth ODI century, it was also his third at the venue. Meanwhile, he has now scored the joint-most tons at the ground, along with Sanath Jayasuriya and David Warner.</p>

Joint-most ODI centuries at SCG: While it was Smith's ninth ODI century, it was also his third at the venue. Meanwhile, he has now scored the joint-most tons at the ground, along with Sanath Jayasuriya and David Warner.

<p><strong>Most sixes at SCG:</strong> En route to his century, Smith hit four sixes. Consequently, he has now hit the most sixes at the venue (15), going past Andrew Symonds (14) in the process.</p>

Most sixes at SCG: En route to his century, Smith hit four sixes. Consequently, he has now hit the most sixes at the venue (15), going past Andrew Symonds (14) in the process.

<p><strong>Innings summary:</strong> Winning the toss, Australian skipper Aaron Finch elected to bat first on a flat track. The openers were off to an explosive start, as they managed to score 156 within 28 overs. It was followed by twin centuries from Finch (114) and Smith (105), as they posted a humongous total of 374/6. Mohammed Shami finished with best figures, of 3/59.</p>

Innings summary: Winning the toss, Australian skipper Aaron Finch elected to bat first on a flat track. The openers were off to an explosive start, as they managed to score 156 within 28 overs. It was followed by twin centuries from Finch (114) and Smith (105), as they posted a humongous total of 374/6. Mohammed Shami finished with best figures, of 3/59.