Steve Smith averages over 78 in Tests at MCG: Stats

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Steve Smith owns four test tons at MCG (Image source: X/@ICC)

What is the story

The upcoming Boxing Day Test match between India and Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) carries great significance.

The series is tied 1-1 after three games as both teams will look to grab a lead.

All eyes will be on Steve Smith, who heralded a comeback to form with a hundred in the last game. He has also enjoyed operating at the MCG.

Here we decode his test records on the spot.

Boxing day beast

All of Smith’s 11 Test appearances at the MCG have come in Boxing Day affairs (matches start on December 26).

As per ESPNcricinfohe has scored 1,093 runs at an average of 78.07 in these games, with four centuries and five fifties to his name.

His best score in third match is 192 against India. Only the legendary Don Bradman (128.53) averages more among batsmen with at least 1,000 Test runs at this venue

Mixed tours vs India

Smith scored a stunning 192 in his first Test assignment against India at the MCG in 2014. He could only manage 14 runs in Australia’s second innings in that game. Meanwhile, the date was dismissed for 0 and 8 in the 2020 Boxing Day Test against India. Australia had lost that match.

Smith’s stellar record against India

Smith played 101 runs in the third Test.

It was Smith’s 10th Test hundred against India, the joint-most against the opposition. He was similar to England’s Joe Root in this respect.

Smith now boasts 2,166 runs against India in 22 Tests at an average of 60.16.

As per ESPNcricinfothis is the highest average among Australians with at least 1,300 Test runs against India.

Six of his 10 50-plus scores against India at home have been converted into tons.

Smith’s quest for 10,000 Test runs

Smith is also on the verge of completing 10,000 runs in Test cricket.

He can become only the fourth Australian player to achieve the feat after Alan Border, Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting.

After playing 112 Tests, he has smashed 9,809 runs at 56.05. This includes 33 tons in addition to 41 fifties.

4,825 of his runs have come at home at 60.31 (100s: 17).