Australian batter Steve Smith showcased his class and resilience by breaking multiple records during the third Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India.
Smith’s 33rd Test century at the Gabba not only ended an 18-month drought but also cemented his place among cricket's greats.
The 35-year-old registered his 10th Test century against India in just 41 innings, equaling Joe Root’s record for the most hundreds against a single opposition.
Most centuries in Test cricket by players against India:
- Steve Smith - 10 centuries in 22 matches
- Joe Root - 10 centuries in 30 matches
- Gary Sobers - 8 centuries in 18 matches
- Viv Richards - 8 centuries in 28 matches
- Ricky Ponting - 8 centuries in 29 matches
This was also Smith's first century since June 2023, spanning 23 innings—the longest dry spell of his career.
Smith’s knock of 101 off 190 balls saw him surpass Mark Waugh to become the sixth-highest run-scorer in Australian international cricket history.
Across 344 matches, Smith has accumulated 16,561 runs at an average of 47.58, including 45 centuries and 80 half-centuries.
Most runs by Australian players in international cricket:
- Ricky Ponting: 27,368 runs
- David Warner: 18,995 runs
- Steve Waugh: 18,496 runs
- Allan Border: 17,698 runs
- Michael Clarke: 17,112 runs
- Steve Smith: 16,561 runs
- Mark Waugh: 16,529 runs
The former skipper entered the crease under pressure, with Australia at 38/2 after Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah dismissed both openers, Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney, within the first five overs.
Marnus Labuschagne’s lean patch continued as he fell for 12, edging a delivery from Nitish Kumar Reddy.
Partnering with Travis Head, Smith steadied the innings and built a remarkable 241-run partnership for the fourth wicket off just 302 balls.
While Smith anchored the innings, Head played with attacking flair, propelling Australia to a commanding position.
Smith was eventually dismissed for 101, caught off a sharp delivery, leaving Australia at 316/4.
Rain severely disrupted play on Day 1, allowing only 13.2 overs, during which Australia managed 28/0.
- Steve Smith
