Smith trumps Bradman to fuel Aussie run chase

FE Team | Published: January 10, 2015 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00

SYDNEY, Jan 9 (AFP): Steve Smith eclipsed a Don Bradman record by powering a furious Australian run chase to set a massive target for India in the final Sydney Test Friday.
The Australian skipper with the Midas touch went helter-skelter after the runs in a bid for a declaration to pursue the home side's third victory in the four-match series Saturday's final day.
Smith, backed by four centuries, passed Bradman's 1947/48 record of 715 for most Australian runs in a series against India with a frenetic 71 off 70 balls.
The skipper, who was given out leg before wicket to Mohammed Shami, finished the series with 769 runs at an average of 128.16.
Some late fireworks from Joe Burns with 66 off 39 balls with six fours and two sixes propelled Australia to 251 for six off 40 overs and a lead of 348 with Brad Haddin not out for 31. A declaration was likely overnight.
The highest successful run-chase record in the fourth innings of a Sydney Test is currently Australia's 288 for two against South Africa nine years ago.
"To lead from the front the way he does and also to do it in all sorts of situations, it's great to watch," Burns said of his skipper.
"There aren't too many batters in the world better at the moment, so it's just great to watch."
Burns said Australia was in a strong position to go on and win the Test.
"The wicket spun and I think it will only get harder to bat on as the game goes on," he said.
"We'll come out tomorrow and I'm sure we're going to create 10 opportunities. It's just a case of taking all 10."
Chris Rogers raised his sixth straight 50 of the series with a glorious cover drive for four but he was out shortly after, hitting straight to Suresh Raina for 56 off 77 balls.
Australia 7 for 572 dec and 6 for 251 (Smith 71, Burns 66, Rogers 56, Ashwin 4-105) leadIndia 475 (Kohli 147, Rahul 110, Rohit 53, Ashwin 50, Starc 3-106) by 348 runs.