SYDNEY: Australia’s modern-day legend Steve Smith produced another masterclass at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) to remain unbeaten in the fifth Ashes Test against England, breaking several records.
Smith, who led the team in the absence of Pat Cummins, scored his first century of the series, remaining unbeaten on 129 at the end of the third day’s play.
His innings guided Australia to 518 for 7 in reply to England’s 384, giving the hosts a 134-run lead as Smith re-dictated the rules of cricket’s oldest contest.
With this match, Smith overtook England’s Jack Hobbs to become the second highest run-scorer in Ashes history with 3,682 runs, behind only Sir Don Bradman’s 5,028.
Most runs in Ashes history:
- Dan Bradman (AUS) – 5,028 in 37 matches
- Steve Smith (Australia) – 3,682* in 41* matches
- Jack Hobbs (ENG) – 3,636 from 41 matches
- Alan Border (AUS) – 3,222 in 42 matches
- Steve Waugh (AUS) – 3,173 in 45 matches
The century moved Smith to the second highest Ashes century with 13 behind Bradman’s 19 centuries.
It was Smith’s 18th century as captain, including a six against England—the most by any captain against a single opponent.
Most Ashes hundreds:
- Dan Bradman (AUS) – 19
- Steve Smith (Australia) – 13
- Jack Hobbs (ENG) – 12
- Steve Waugh (AUS) – 10
- Wally Hammond & David Gower (ENG) – 9
Across all formats, Smith’s tally against England now stands at 5,085, putting him behind Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli for the most international runs against one opponent.
Smith has compiled an average of 1,225 runs in 72 overs at the SCG, including five centuries – a feat only surpassed by former Australian captain Ricky Ponting.
Additionally, Smith moved past Rahul Dravid to become seventh on the all-time list of Test centuries.
Highest Test Percentage: