Steve Smith Shines with Century in Ashes Finale at Sydney

In a thrilling display at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Steve Smith scored a remarkable century during the Ashes series finale, marking a pivotal moment in his career. This performance not only helped Australia secure a significant lead but also positioned Smith as the second-highest run-scorer in Ashes history, trailing only the legendary Don Bradman. As he continues to break records and draw comparisons to cricketing greats, Smith's legacy in the sport is further solidified. Discover more about his journey and the impact of this innings on the ongoing series.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 6, 2026, 15:39 IST

Smith's Stellar Performance at the SCG

On January 6, during Day 3 of the fifth Test in the Ashes series, former Australian captain Steve Smith showcased his batting prowess at the Sydney Cricket Ground. After a mixed series, where he had only one half-century prior to this match, Smith delivered a crucial century when Australia needed it the most.

In Australia's first innings, Smith's classic style was evident as he scored an impressive 129 runs off 205 balls, featuring 15 boundaries and a six. His remarkable innings propelled Australia to a total of 518/7, establishing a 134-run lead over England's first innings score of 384 by the end of Day 3. This century marked the first of the ongoing Ashes series in 2025, reaffirming his ability to perform under pressure.

Historic Milestones for Smith

Smith's century was particularly significant following a series of modest performances, arriving at a pivotal moment in the Ashes finale. His contribution has been vital in helping Australia gain a commanding lead as they head into Day 4.

With his unbeaten 129, Smith has now become the second-highest run-scorer in Ashes history, surpassing the legendary Jack Hobbs, who scored 3636 runs in 41 matches. Smith now trails only Don Bradman, who amassed 5028 runs at an average of 89.78 in 37 matches.

Chasing Bradman's Legacy

The name of Don Bradman often surfaces whenever Smith excels in a Test match. In the current Sydney Test, Smith's performance places him among the most formidable players in Ashes history.

Smith's 13 centuries in the Ashes series rank him second, only behind Bradman's 19. Additionally, he has surpassed Bradman's record for the most runs against a single opponent, having scored 5085 runs against England across all formats, further solidifying his legacy as one of Australia's greatest batsmen.

Comparing Eras: Smith and Bradman

Steve Smith's technical skill and consistency have drawn comparisons to Don Bradman, despite the differences in their playing eras. While Bradman thrived in a time dominated by Test cricket, Smith has excelled in a modern landscape that includes T20 and ODI formats.

Both players have demonstrated remarkable success against England, with Smith scoring over 2000 runs in Ashes matches, similar to Bradman's tally of 2674 runs. Interestingly, both have achieved more centuries on English soil than at home, showcasing their ability to perform in challenging conditions.

Legacy and Statistics

In December 2017, Smith achieved a peak Test batting rating of 947 points, the highest in the modern era, second only to Bradman's 961. This further emphasizes Smith's elite status in cricket history.

While Bradman's career was defined by unmatched consistency, Smith's adaptability across all formats highlights the evolution of the game. Smith has accumulated 17636 runs, including 49 centuries, at an average of 47.92 in 360 matches, showcasing his versatility in the modern cricket landscape.