Steve Smith ranks India century among his best in Test cricket

Smith's incredible century

Steve Smith ranks his century in Australia's dismantling of India as among his finest in Test cricket. The man of the match award deservedly went to Steve O'Keefe after the spinner claimed match figures of 12-70, the best by an Australian in India, in a dominant 333-run win inside three days in Pune.

Although dropped three times before he reached 40, captain Smith's knock will sit with the great Test performances after a second-innings 109 on a pitch that was heavily bowler friendly. That hundred helped Australia set India a target of 441 for victory, a total that was never in reach as the hosts crumbled to 107 all out.

"It's got to be right up there," Smith admitted after the match. "I had a little bit of luck, but you need that on a wicket like this. They had few chances, but to score a hundred here in the second innings took a lot of grit and determination. I was pleased to get a good total for the boys to defend."

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Captain praises Australia's spin bowlers

Smith was delighted with the way his spinners performed, with Nathan Lyon sweeping up the tail to end the second innings with four wickets. And the skipper praised O'Keefe for finding his length after struggling to make an impact in the early stages of the match.

"O'Keefe was outstanding, the quicks got us a quick start and the spinners were brilliant as well," he added. "When he [O'Keefe] pulled his length back slightly, it felt like he'd get a wicket every ball. He deserves a lot of accolades, he's worked incredibly hard to get here and bowled beautifully. The spinners did a great job, got the ball in consistent areas, natural areas, it was a great performance."