Australia stand-in captain Steven Smith believes that the bowlers need to be patient when they take to the field against India on day three of their fourth Test in Sydney.

Smith impressed with the bat once again by hitting his fourth Test century in as many games as Australia declared on 572-7 in their first innings.

India closed the day on 71-1, but Smith is hopeful that wickets will begin to tumble tomorrow at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

"With a bit of luck we could have had two or three wickets," Supersport.com quotes Smith as saying. "It's about coming out in the morning and building as much pressure as we can.

"It's not the kind of wicket where you can blast sides out. It's about staying patient, and hopefully the patience pays off."

Australia have already won the series.

Written by
Danielle Joynson