Australia v India third Test LIVE updates: Smith, Labuschagne set to turn screws

The pitch which will greet Smith, Labuschagne

The SCG pitch is known for its spin on day four and five as it starts to break up.

That process hasn't started just yet.

Some variable bounce was making life hard for Smith and Labuschagne yesterday but there are no nightmare cracks to deal with.

Smith fine tuning before the big morning session

Here's a shock – Steve Smith spent his morning hitting cricket balls.

Before he will stride to the middle of the SCG and hit more cricket balls.

Can the Australian superstar score his second century of the Test today?

Paine faces punishment for spray

The Australian skipper yesterday hit umpire Paul Wilson with an expletive laden spray after a decision sent to the third umpire did not fall the home side's way.

Tim Paine faces a fine or suspension for his outburst on Saturday.Credit:AP

He is now facing a signficant fine – and a possible suspension – for a spray that has many pundits pointing out one of the reasons neutral umpires are employed.

Crowd abuse heightens Indian tension

While all eyes will soon be on Smith and Labuschagne in the middle of the SCG, there is as much happening off the field as there is on.

Mohammed Siraj speaks with cricket security officials on Saturday.Credit:Getty Images

The tourists reported "highly offensive" racist taunts from a handful of the 10,000 patrons that clicked through the turnstiles at the famous ground yesterday, increasing tensions between Cricket Australia and the BCCI.

India have also come up with a fresh reason to try and avoid playing at the Gabba. After initially complaining about strict lockdown protocol in Queensland, they now claim the risk of catching the UK strain of the virus is too high to travel north.

Chris Barrett has the latest on the situation here.

Time for an intriguing fourth day of Test cricket

Good morning and welcome to day four at the SCG.

Sam Phillips here in the hot seat with you.

Steve Smith is striving for twin tons.Credit:AP

It feels like every session has been an important one through this Test but the first hour of play this morning may well decide the winner of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Keep it dialled to this page for instant updates, highlights, reaction, news and everything in between as Steve Smith (29) and Marnus Labuschagne (47) strive to build a match winning lead.

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