Steve Smith scored an impressive century to help Australia on their way to a solid 328-7 in this morning's Cricket World Cup semi-final meeting against India at the SCG.
Things got off to a rather shaky start for the Baggy Greens as David Warner, looking to make a big early impression, fell to the bowling of Umesh Yadav with just 12 runs on the board.
Smith replaced Warner and soon found his rhythm, racking up 11 fours and two sixes on his way to 105 off 93 balls, but India eventually made the breakthrough when Rohit Sharma sprinted in from the boundary to take the catch and bring the impressive knock to a close.
Next to the crease was Glenn Maxwell (23), who powered through before picking out Ajinkya Rahane at deep square-leg as the Men in Blue wrestled back some control of the final-four clash.
Yadav claimed his third wicket to continue the fightback, helping to send Aaron Finch (81) packing, before skipper Michael Clarke went for 10.
Australia needed to recover at this stage, relying on Shane Watson and James Faulkner to pile on some late runs, although the latter was bowled out for just 21, while Watson (28) went soon after.
Mitchell Johnson (27*) added some further stability from nine balls at the end, before play was brought to a close with India needing 329 from 50 overs to claim their place in the final.
Daniel Lewis
