Smith only behind Bradman after Sydney Ashes century
The Australian became the second-highest run scorer and also the batter with the second-most number of centuries in Ashes history before his dismissal early on day four.
Steve Smith has created more Test cricket history at the Sydney Cricket Ground, moving past Jack Hobbs to become the second-highest run scorer in Ashes history with a magnificent ton that also moved him to second on the Ashes century list.
The 36-year-old struck his 37th Test century as he built on Travis Head’s blistering knock of 163 to take Australia past England’s total, building a first innings lead for the hosts on day three of the final Test.
He was dismissed early on day four on 138 when he was caught behind off the bowling of Josh Tongue.
Smith moved past Hobbs’s 3636 to be second only to the great Sir Don Bradman in the Ashes top run scorers’ list. His 13 hundreds against England are also only bettered by Bradman who has 19 centuries.
Smith made his Ashes debut in 2010 at Perth and it took him 15 innings to record his first hundred which came in 2013 at The Oval, and the right-handed batter hasn’t looked back since. His best performance in an Ashes series came in 2019 when Australia toured England for four Tests in which Smith amassed 774 at an average of 110.57.
His hundred in Sydney was the first of this series and also his 18th century as captain, with six of those centuries coming against England, the most against any team as skipper.
Ashes 2019: 4th Test, day 2 – Highlights
The 36-year-old’s ton was crucial as he took Australia’s lead past the 50-run mark on day three after Head had given the hosts the perfect platform.
Starting the day at 166/2, Head continued to assert himself on the English bowlers as he notched up his 12th hundred before adding another 63 runs to get Australia within hundred runs of the English total before being dismissed.
Smith, well supported by Cameron Green, then helped Australia go into the lead and assume a position of strength while notching up milestones of his own.
Australia had secured the series after winning the first three Test matches before England ended their 14-year wait for a Test victory in Australia with a win in Melbourne to gain valuable ICC World Test Championship points.
Ashes schedule:
First Test: Perth Stadium, November 21-22 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Second Test: Gabba, December 4-7 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Third Test: Adelaide Oval, December 17-21 (Australia won by 82 runs)
Fourth Test: MCG, December 26-30 (England won by 4 wickets)
Fifth Test: SCG, January 4-8
