Australia v India, day three SCG moments: Steve Smith’s 9999-run heartbreak

Not everything went Australia’s way on a landmark day in Sydney, with Steve Smith suffering heartbreak only one other man can truly relate to.

It was a day of bliss for Australia at the SCG as Pat Cummins’ men reclaimed the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2014-15.

But not everything went their way on a red-letter day in Sydney, with Steve Smith suffering heartbreak only one other man can truly relate to.

SMITH’S SINGLE AGONY

It is the milestone that became a millstone. Steve Smith was one run short of joining Steve Waugh, Allan Border and Ricky Ponting in the 10,000 Test run club when a sharp lifter from Prasidh Krishna was edged to a diving Yashasvi Jaiswal. Smith, who needed 38 runs at the start of Test to reach the mark in front of his home crowd, looked as if he was being weighed down by “milestone-itis’’ and left with his head down, stranded on 9999 Test runs. Sri Lanka’s Mahela Jayawardene had been the only man to lose his wicket on that mark but now has company.

Heartbreak for Steve Smith at the SCG

SUPER SLUG

It’s the moment young cricketers dream about – a packed house, a trophy and a Test series on the line and you seal the deal. Beau Webster lived out the fantasy when he charged down the track and thumped Washington Sundar down the ground for the winning boundary. Webster let out a roar, hugged Travis Head then headed off to enjoy his status as something of an instant cult hero.

Beau Webster hits the series winning runs

PAT POUNCES

Pat Cummins has a knack of snaring the right wicket at the right time with the perfect ball.

Indian allrounder Ravi Jadeja is one of the games greatest scrappers and was seen as a potential thorn in Australia’s side in a low scoring match. It was always going to take something special to remove him and Cummins provided just the ball when he got one to nip away off the pitch and get a feathered edge to Alex Carey.

Pat Cummins removes Ravindra Jadeja early

BORDER’S BLISS

Allan Border had wanted his trophy back as much as anyone. Border has had a rugged few years with Parkinson’s disease but has still managed to enjoy life and made sure he was available and on stage to help present the trophy. Australia now hold all bi-lateral trophies they contest.

Allan Border presents Pat Cummins with the Border-Gavaskar Trophy

BUMRAH’S BRILLIANCE

The ovation for Jasprit Bumrah for player of the series – even despite his absence injured on the last day – was sustained and heartfelt. Bumrah’s incredible series – 32 wickets at 13 – will permanently enshrine him as one of the greatest, if not the best fast bowler, to visit Australia. He wanted to bowl on the last day but said “sometimes you have to listen to your body’.”

Jasprit Bumrah is cheered as he is crowned player of the series

Originally published as Australia v India, day three SCG moments: Steve Smith’s 9999-run heartbreak