Steve Smith put on an impressive display of batting during the Boxing Day Test against India at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), scoring a remarkable 140 runs off 197 balls. This century not only cemented his love for the venue but also extended his consistent record against India, marking his 11th century in 43 innings. Smith's innings featured 13 fours and three sixes, leading Australia to a strong position at 454/7 by the end of the first session on day two.

Smith's century helped him surpass England's Joe Root, who had scored 10 centuries against India in 55 innings. Over the course of 23 Tests against India, Smith has accumulated 2,305 runs at an impressive average of 64.02, including 11 centuries and five fifties. His best score against India is 192. With this century, Smith has now joined the ranks of legendary players like Younis Khan, Sunil Gavaskar, Brian Lara, and Mahela Jayawardena as the joint-sixth highest century scorer in Tests.

Australia won the toss and elected to bat first, with significant contributions from Usman Khawaja (57), Marnus Labuschagne (72), and Smith himself (68*), guiding the team to 311/6 by the end of day one. On day two, Smith's partnership with captain Pat Cummins, who scored 49, helped Australia extend their lead, continuing to build a strong total.