Smith takes Australia to 420/4 (Lunch report)

Australia batsmen continued to add to their tally by reaching 420/4 at lunch on Day 2 of the fourth and final cricket Test against India here Wednesday.

However, Indian bowlers showed some rare discipline as they only allowed 72 runs from 30 overs, taking two wickets, in the morning session as Australia resumed the day at 348/2 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Unlike the first day when runs came at will, the pitch got slower helping spinner Ravichandran Ashwin (1/98), who tightened the run flow. The result was the last hour of play gave only 24 runs with India picking up two wickets.

Meanwhile, stand-in skipper Steven Smith (117), who resumed the day at 82 not out, went on to score his fourth century of the series and eighth overall as he was given good support by all-rounder Shane Watson (81) at the other end.

Smith scored 15 boundaries in his 208-ball knock.

The duo eventually ended up scoring a 196-run third wicket partnership which finally came to an end when Watson pulled a short Mohammed Shami delivery, only to be caught by Ashwin at deep midwicket.

Smith too fell soon when he nicked an Umesh Yadav ball to keeper Wriddhiman Saha.

Shaun Marsh (14 not out) and Joe Burns (0) were at the crease when lunch was called.