The legendary Australian batter Steve Smith was on fire once again, and in his first inning of the new year (2023), he scored a century. The 33-year-old right-handed batter scored his 30th Test century on Thursday (January 5) for the Baggy Greens, and by doing so, he surpasses Sir Donald Bradman’s tally of 29 Test centuries. In addition to that, he also broke a couple of other records as well. Aus vs SA 3rd Test: Steve Smith broke Don Bradman’s record.
The Australian batting legend and one of the greatest Test batters of all time, Steve Smith, continued his love affair with Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), and on Thursday (January 5), during the second day’s play of the third Australia-South Africa Test, broke multiple batting records for the Baggy Greens in red-ball cricket.
The 33-year-old right-handed batter scored his 30th Test century during the second session of the second day’s play, and by doing so, he broke the legendary Sir Donald Bradman’s record of 29 hundreds for Australia in Test cricket.
Don Bradman scored a total of 29 Test centuries for the Aussies in 80 innings of 52 Test matches, whereas in his 162nd inning of the 92nd Test, Steve Smith crossed Bradman’s tally. He is now joint-third on the list of leading century makers for Australia in Test matches. Former captains Ricky Ponting (41) and Steve Waugh (32) are now only ahead of him, while former opening batter Matthew Hayden is joint-third with 30 centuries.
During his epic innings against the Proteas at his home ground, Steve Smith not only broke Bradman’s century record but also overtook both Michael Clarke and Hayden to become the fourth-leading run scorer for Australia in Test match history. He is only behind the former skipper trio of Ponting (13378), Allan Border (11174), and Steve Waugh (10927) in the list of leading run scorers.
Steve Smith, who scored an unbeaten double hundred against the West Indies in November 2022, was unable to convert his century into a big one and was dismissed for 104. He was caught and bowled by Keshav Maharaj. During his stay at the crease, he faced a total of 192 balls and hammered 11 fours and two sixes.
He added 209 runs for the third wicket with Usman Khawaja (172 not out at tea time) to help the Aussies bounce back and remain on track to post a big total once again against the clueless South African side.
Also Read: Massive blow for Team India: Star Batter out from 2nd T20I against Sri Lanka Today
Also Read: Big Loss for IPL franchisees: In form All Rounder Dasun Shanaka ignored by IPL auction
Comments are closed.