Cricketers of the Week – 12th March to 18th March

#2 Steve Smith

Steve Smith took Australia to a commanding position

Smith led from the front after a controversial week that involved barbs between the two skippers, him and Kohli. At Ranchi, Smith walked in at 50 for 1 and remained unbeaten right till the end, proving to be the thorn in India’s flesh yet again.

Smith amassed 178* in 361 balls adding 191 for the fifth wicket with Maxwell, 64 for the sixth wicket with Wade and then 51 for the eighth wicket with Steve O’ Keefe, pushing Australia to 451.

Extra Cover: The 'big show' makes it big, Steve Smith stamps authority in potential series-decider

He missed out on a double century as Australia lost their last three wickets in the space of 18 balls. Smith had earlier scored a brilliant ton in the first Test at Pune on a treacherous pitch. The skipper played the role of an anchor to perfection and if not for his vigil, Australia would’ve been behind the ballgame by now.

Smith’s presence also helped Maxwell, who scored his maiden Test ton to get the monkey off his back. Smith, in remaining unbeaten, reached an average in excess of 60, which is second only to the great Don Bradman amongst batsmen with more than 5000 Test runs.