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Steve Smith Surpasses Jack Hobbs, Cements Ashes Legacy with Historic Century

Steve Smith scored a crucial century in the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, propelling Australia past England's first-innings total. His innings saw him overtake England legend Jack Hobbs to become the second-highest run-scorer in Ashes history, now behind only Sir Don Bradman. Smith's century was his 13th against England, further solidifying his status as a modern Ashes great. He also reflected on the favorable batting conditions and the platform set by teammate Travis Head's aggressive innings.

Key Points: Steve Smith's Record Ashes Century Surpasses Jack Hobbs

  • Surpassed Jack Hobbs's Ashes runs tally
  • Scored 13th Ashes century, 2nd only to Bradman
  • Helped Australia secure a 134-run lead
  • Now has over 5,000 international runs vs England
2 min read

Steve Smith surpasses Jack Hobbs with record-breaking Ashes century

Steve Smith becomes 2nd-highest Ashes run-scorer with a century at the SCG, trailing only Don Bradman after passing Jack Hobbs's tally.

"Nice batting wicket out there... Worked out well today. - Steve Smith"

Sydney, January 6

Steve Smith added another chapter to his remarkable Test career on Tuesday at the Sydney Cricket Ground, scripting fresh Ashes history with a sublime century against England in the fifth Test.

The Australian batter moved past England great Jack Hobbs to become the second-highest run scorer in Ashes history, while also climbing to second place on the list of most Ashes centuries.

The 36-year-old brought up his 37th Test hundred, building on Travis Head's blistering 163 to help Australia surge past England's first-innings total of 318 and secure a crucial lead of 134 runs. Smith's knock not only strengthened Australia's position in the match but also reinforced his status as one of the finest batters the Ashes rivalry has witnessed.

With this innings, Smith went past Hobbs' tally of 3,636 Ashes runs to move to second on the all-time list, now trailing only Don Bradman. Smith now has 3,682 runs in the Ashes, while Bradman remains at the top with 5,028. Smith's century was also his 13th against England in Test cricket, a number surpassed only by Bradman, who scored 19 hundreds against the old rivals.

Speaking after the day's play, Smith reflected on his innings and the conditions at SCG.

"Nice batting wicket out there. Nice to start my innings on the back of a great innings from Travis Head. When you're out there with him they forget about you and I was able to get into my work. Worked out well today. Couple of nice partnerships," Smith said on Fox, as quoted from ESPNcricinfo.

Smith's latest effort also saw him climb the list of most runs scored against a single opponent in international cricket. He now has 5,085 runs against England, trailing only Sachin Tendulkar's 6,707 runs against Australia, Virat Kohli's 5,551 against Australia, and Tendulkar's 5,108 against Sri Lanka.

At the Sydney Cricket Ground, Smith's numbers further underline his dominance. In 13 Tests at the venue, he has scored 1,225 runs from 20 innings at an average of 72.05, including five centuries. Only Ricky Ponting has more runs at the SCG, with 1,480, and more hundreds, with six.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Amazing achievement, but the article highlights something else for me. Look at that list of most runs against a single opponent. Sachin Paaji is still on top! 6707 runs against Australia is just insane. Smith is great, but he's chasing legends.
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Rohit P
His record at SCG is unbelievable. Avg of 72! He just loves that ground. England must be having nightmares. As an Indian, I'm just glad we don't have to face him in a Test series anytime soon. Let the English suffer! 😅
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Sarah B
While his numbers are phenomenal, I do wish the commentary around him would also acknowledge his past. He's a brilliant cricketer who served his ban and came back stronger, which is commendable. But the narrative should be balanced.
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Vikram M
The Don's record of 5028 Ashes runs still looks safe for a long time. That's an Everest. Smith is a modern great, no doubt. But comparing anyone to Bradman is just unfair. Different era, different challenges. Both are legends in their own right.
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Karthik V
His technique is so unorthodox, but the results are classical. Shows that there's no one right way to bat. Just score runs. Young Indian batters should watch his discipline and hunger. The man is 36 and still breaking records. Salute! 👏

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