Steve Smith registers 18th Test ton, courtesy 4 lifelines amid poor Indian fielding in Pune – WATCH

Screen Grab (BCCI)

New Delhi: Australian skipper Steve Smith survived long-enough on the Pune rank-turner to score his 18th Test hundred and maiden ton on Indian soil on Saturday. His journey, however, wasn't the smoothest ones after being handed as many as 4 lifelines, 3 of those were following poor fielding by the hosts.

The visitors, who resumed day three on 143-4, were bowled out for 285 in an extended morning session which ended with the wicket of Steve O`Keefe (6) and lunch was called.

Skipper Smith dominated play to take his overnight score of 59 to 109 as he tackled India`s bowlers with aplomb till he fell to left-arm spinner Ravindra Jadeja.

Indian off-spinner Ravichandran Ashwin claimed four wickets while Jadeja took three. (IND vs AUS, 1st Test, Day 3 - Scorecard | Live Blog)

Smith, who survived three dropped catches on Friday, lived dangerously after surviving another spilled chance on 67 and a close lbw appeal on 73.

Here's the video capturing all of India's failed attempts to get the Aussie captain out:-

The world`s top batsman went on to register his first ton on Indian soil and the 18th of his career, jumping with joy and kissing his helmet after reaching the three-figure mark.

India were at the receiving end of some dodgy decisions including Smith`s lbw and a caught behind of Mathew Wade but had already utilised their two reviews on day two.

Wade though couldn`t capitalise on his luck, falling to Umesh Yadav a couple of balls later.

Smith, who struck his fifth consecutive ton against India since the 2014-15 series in Australia, was finally trapped lbw off Jadeja and taking a review proved futile.

Mitchell Starc, who scored a gritty 61 in Australia`s first innings score of 260, hit a breezy 30 with 2 fours and 3 sixes.

But it was left-arm spinner Steve O`Keefe who put Australia in a commanding position after his career-best haul of 6-35 helped skittle out India for 105 on Friday. The hosts conceded a crucial 155-run lead.

Number-two ranked Australia, who lost their last nine Tests in Asia, are looking for an upset win against the world`s top side.

(With AFP inputs)