Australian batsman Steve Smith showed his class and resilience by breaking several 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 recorded his 10th Test century against India in just 41 innings, equaling Joe Root’s record for most hundreds against a single opponent.
Most Test cricket centuries 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 from 190 balls saw him overtake Mark Waugh to become the sixth highest run-scorer in the history of Australian international cricket.
In 344 matches, Smith 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 captain entered the box under pressure with Australia at 38/2 after Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah dismissed the two openers, Usman Khawaja and Nathan McSweeney, in the first five overs.
Marnus Labuschagne’s weak spell continued as he fell for 12, edging out a Nitish Kumar Reddy delivery.
Partnering Travis Head, Smith steadied the innings and built a remarkable partnership of 241 runs for the fourth wicket off just 302 balls.
While Smith anchored the innings, Head played with attacking flair, leading Australia to a commanding position.
Smith was eventually dismissed for 101, after a sharp delivery, leaving Australia at 316/4.
Rain severely disrupted play on Day 1, allowing just 13.2 overs, during which Australia managed 28/0.
