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.

Resuming on 311-6 after a dominant opening day, the hosts plundered another 163 runs before finally being dismissed soon after lunch.

Steve Smith reprised his role as India's tormentor in chief by scoring a record 11th century against the nation on Friday, driving Australia to an imposing 454-7 at lunch on day two of the fourth test.

A resurgent Steve Smith crunched his second century in as many Tests as Australia made a daunting 474 in their first innings of the fourth Test against India in Melbourne on Friday. Smith reached his 34th Test century with a boundary off Nitish Kumar Reddy,

Steve Smith is within reach of back-to-back centuries as Australia aim to build on the 6-311 they made on day one of the Boxing Day Test.

Pat Cummins dismissed both India's openers, including KL Rahul on the last ball before tea, to leave India 51 for two on day two of the fourth test on Friday after another Steve Smith century helped the hosts post an imposing first innings 474.