Steve Smith reached a remarkable milestone in the third Test against India at The Gabba, Brisbane. He became the batter with the most Test centuries against India, equalling Joe Root’s record of ten centuries.
Smith also became the sixth-highest run-scorer in Australian Test cricket history, surpassing Mark Waugh’s total runs.
Smith’s impressive return to form saw him score a century (101 runs) off 190 balls, including ten boundaries.
This was Smith’s first century in 25 innings, marking his longest stretch without a three-figure score. His previous longest gap was 22 innings, spanning from his debut to his maiden Test century.
In 344 international matches, Smith has amassed 16,561 runs at an average of 47.58. His record includes 45 centuries, 80 half-centuries, and a highest score of 239.
Mark Waugh, whom Smith surpassed, scored 16,529 runs in 372 matches at an average of 40.51. Waugh’s record includes 38 centuries, 97 fifties, and a highest score of 173 across 445 innings.
Smith now shares the record for the most centuries in Border-Gavaskar Trophy history, tied with Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar at nine centuries each.
He also became the eighth player to reach 2,000 runs in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Smith has scored 2,007 runs in 21 matches at an average of 60.81, including nine centuries and five fifties. His highest score in the series is 192.
India won the toss and elected to bowl first.
India initially managed to restrict Australia’s scoring during a wicketless first day, which lasted around 13 overs.
On day two, India made key breakthroughs, dismissing Usman Khawaja (21), Nathan McSweeney (9), and Marnus Labuschagne (12), leaving Australia at 75/3.
A crucial 241-run partnership between Smith and Travis Head shifted the momentum of the match. Smith scored 101 runs from 190 deliveries, hitting ten fours, while Head contributed 152 runs off 160 balls, striking 18 fours.
Jasprit Bumrah eventually broke the partnership, finishing with figures of 5/72, which triggered a mini-collapse for Australia.
Despite the late wickets, Australia ended day two in a commanding position at 405/7, with Alex Carey and Mitchell Starc unbeaten on 45 and 7, respectively.