Steve Smith’s stylish century powered Australia to a strong position against India at lunch on the second day of the fourth test of the five-match series.

India has a new batting hero after 21-year-old Nitish Kumar Reddy showed the poise of a veteran to score his maiden century, leading his team’s comeback against Australia on day three of the fourth test.

Australia run-maker Travis Head is questionable for the fourth cricket test against India beginning Thursday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, and teenager Sam Konstas was set to make his first test start for the home side.

Mitchell Starc has the second new ball in hand after Pat Cummins kept Nitish Kumar Reddy silent early in the second session with a barrage of unplayable short balls.

Washinton Sundar is confident of India's comeback in fourth Test against Australia despite their precarious position in the match