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Steve Smith's 37th Test Ton Seals Ashes Legacy, Tops Dravid in Record Books

Stand-in captain Steve Smith scored his 37th Test century on Day 3 of the final Ashes Test at the SCG, a ground where he is now the second-highest run-scorer. The ton was his 13th in Ashes cricket, moving him to second on the all-time list of Ashes run-scorers behind only Don Bradman. With this innings, Smith surpassed former India great Rahul Dravid's tally of 36 Test hundreds. His partnership with Cameron Green helped Australia build a commanding lead after Travis Head's rapid century set the platform.

Key Points: Steve Smith Hits 37th Test Century, Moves Past Rahul Dravid

  • Smith scores 37th Test century
  • Moves past Rahul Dravid in all-time list
  • Second-highest Ashes run-scorer behind Bradman
  • Crucial ton gives Australia 100+ run lead
2 min read

Ashes: Steve Smith moves up in record books with 37th Test ton

Steve Smith scores his 37th Test hundred in the Ashes, surpassing Rahul Dravid and climbing the all-time run-scoring lists at the SCG and in Ashes history.

"It made for great scenes at the SCG, a happy hunting ground, as he took off his helmet, raised his bat and soaked up all the applause."

Sydney, Jan 6

Australia's stand-in captain Steve Smith raised his 37th Test hundred on Day 3 of the fifth and final Ashes match at the Sydney Cricket Ground and moved up in record books on Tuesday.

Smith brought up his 100 after running three off a shot to fine leg off the bowling of Jocob Bethell. It made for great scenes at the SCG, a happy hunting ground, as he took off his helmet, raised his bat and soaked up all the applause. His wife in the crowd applauded him. He is currently batting on 110 off 178 balls.

This was Smith's 13th Ashes ton, with only Don Bradman (19) producing more. It also marked Smith's first ton of this series. With this, the veteran batter became the second-highest run-scorer at the SCG with 1206 runs, with former skipper Ricky Ponting topping the chart with 1480 runs and also second in the list of all-time Test centuries at the SCG.

Moreover, the 36-year-old Aussie is second on the all-time list of Ashes Test runs with 3663, only behind the legendary Don Bradman (5028).

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. 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.

In the overall Test centuries list, Smith moved past former India batter Rahul Dravid (36 centuries) and is one short of equalling Sri Lanka great Kumar Sangakkara. India legend Sachin Tendulkar has the most Test centuries to his name (51).

The 36-year-old's ton was crucial, as it took Australia's lead past the 100-run mark on day three after Head had given the hosts the perfect platform.

Head proved imperious at the top of the order once more, bringing up his 12th Test century at a rate of nearly a run a ball. He finished on 163, trapped lbw by Jacob Bethell, while Usman Khawaja, playing his final Test match, made 17 before falling to Brydon Carse.

Smith, well supported by Cameron Green, then helped Australia take the lead and assume a position of strength while notching up his own milestones.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
His consistency is just insane. 37 centuries! And to think he started as a leg-spinner. A true master of his craft. Hope our young batters are taking notes.
A
Aman W
Great innings, but let's be honest, the bowling attack he's facing isn't exactly the 90s Windies. Still, a ton is a ton. Respect for the milestone.
S
Sarah B
Watching from Mumbai. The SCG looks like a fantastic ground. Smith's wife cheering in the crowd was a lovely moment. Cricket is more than just runs and wickets.
V
Vikram M
Second only to Bradman in Ashes runs? That's some elite company. He's carried their batting for a decade. Makes you appreciate Kohli and Root doing the same for their teams.
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Karthik V
The article mentions he's one short of Sangakkara. The race for 3rd on that all-time centuries list is heating up! Smith, Kohli, Williamson... great era for batting.

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