Australian captain Steve Smith’s love affair with the MCG

IT had been a long, long time since Steve Smith was dismissed at the MCG. That all changed this morning when an English debutant rattled his castle. Here’s how imperious he has been at cricket’s cathedral.

The MCG has become Steve Smith’s happiest hunting ground. Picture: AFP

IT had been a long, long time since Steve Smith was dismissed at the MCG. That all changed this morning when an English debutant rattled his castle.

The Australian captain has been imperious at cricket’s cathedral over the past three years.

Smith had scored 445 Test runs in Melbourne without losing his wicket before chopping a Tom Curran delivery onto his stumps early on Day Two of the Fourth Ashes Test.

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The MCG has become Steve Smith’s happiest hunting ground. Picture: AFP

The 28-year-old’s most recent dismissal on the hallowed turf came three years ago when he was caught at leg slip for 14 (having made 192 in the first innings of that Test against India).

In the time between those two dismissals, Smith has featured in 12 Test series around the world, scoring 15 centuries — two of which were unbeaten tons at the MCG.

Smith watches his stumps get rattled this morning. Picture: Getty Images

With his departure for 76 this morning, Smith now averages a remarkable 119 from six Tests at the MCG, making it statistically his most productive Test venue in Australia.

Smith now sports a career average of 63.32 with 5796 runs from 59 Tests and 108 innings. His superb ability to turn 50s into 100s is reflected by his 22 tons up against 21 half centuries, with a highest score of 239.

English debutant Tom Curran has every right to be happy with his first Test wicket. Picture: AFP

Just a little food for thought, Australia has had 10 debutants in the time between his dismissals at the ‘G, while crowds of 100,021 (AFL grand final), 99,382 (Manchester City v Real Madrid), 93,013 (cricket World Cup final) and 91,513 (State of Origin game) have packed the iconic stadium.