Steve Smith showcased his batting brilliance by scoring his 35th Test century on Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka. This milestone further cements his place among cricket’s all-time greats, as he continues to dominate the game with his exceptional skill and consistency.
Steve Smith 35th Test Century: A Masterclass in Batting
Steve Smith’s 35th Test century was a testament to his precision and composure at the crease. Batting at No.4, he forged a formidable 195-run partnership with Usman Khawaja, who remained unbeaten on 147. Smith’s century, achieved off 179 balls (10×4, 1×6), was his 35th in Test cricket, placing him in an elite group of batters.
- Key Highlights of Steve Smith’s Innings:
- Reached his century in 205 innings, making him the third-fastest to 35 Test centuries.
- Joined legends like Sachin Tendulkar, Ricky Ponting, and Jacques Kallis in the exclusive 35-century club.
- Became the 15th batter to surpass 10,000 Test runs, achieving the milestone earlier in the day.
Steve Smith’s Captaincy Record Amplifies His Legacy
Smith’s 35th Test century also marked his 16th as Australia’s captain, surpassing Allan Border and Steve Waugh. Among Australian captains, only Ricky Ponting (19) has more centuries. Globally, Smith ranks fourth in centuries as captain, trailing Graeme Smith, Virat Kohli, and Ponting.
- Notable Achievements as Captain:
- Nearing 4,000 Test runs as captain with an average of over 68.
- Second only to Don Bradman in terms of batting average among skippers with at least 3,000 Test runs.
Steve Smith Joins Elite 10,000-Run Club
Earlier in the day, Smith became the 15th batter to cross the 10,000-run mark in Test cricket. He achieved this milestone in 205 innings, making him the fifth-fastest to reach the mark. Only Tendulkar, Lara, Sangakkara, and Ponting reached the milestone faster.
- Key Milestones:
- Joined Australian legends like Border, Waugh, and Ponting in the 10,000-run club.
- Continues to dominate with an average of over 60 in Test cricket.
Steve Smith’s 35th Test century and his entry into the 10,000-run club highlight his status as one of cricket’s modern-day greats. His consistency, leadership, and ability to perform under pressure make him a cornerstone of Australia’s batting lineup.
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