Star Australian batter Steve Smith etched his name in the record books once again with a brilliant century against Sri Lanka on day two of the second Test at Galle. He delivered a masterclass in playing spin, finishing the day unbeaten on 120 from 239 balls. His knock, which included nine fours and a six, put Australia in a commanding position as they continued their pursuit of victory
Updated On: 2025-02-08 05:05 PM IST
Compiled by : Srijanee Majumdar
With this century, Smith surpassed legendary Australian batter and former captain Ricky Ponting to become the leading run-scorer for Australia in Asia. In 24 Tests on the continent, Smith has accumulated 1,983 runs at an average of 53.59, including seven centuries and eight fifties in 42 innings. His highest score in Asia stands at an impressive 178*. Ponting now holds second place with 1,889 runs in 28 matches and 48 innings, having scored five centuries and 10 fifties. Ponting's best score in Asia is 150
Smith’s achievement also saw him join an exclusive club of Australian cricketers, becoming the sixth player to reach 17,000 international runs. In 348 international matches, he has amassed 17,016 runs at an average of 48.06, with 48 centuries and 80 fifties. His highest score is 239. In comparison, Ponting leads the charge with 27,368 runs in 559 matches and 667 innings, maintaining an average of 45.84. His career includes 7 centuries and 146 fifties, with a best score of 257
Smith’s 36th Test century has propelled him to join England's Joe Root and Indian legend Rahul Dravid as joint-fifth in the all-time list of century-makers in Test cricket
The century in Galle is also Smith's 17th Test century away from home, equaling the record set by West Indies great Brian Lara and surpassing Indian icon Virat Kohli, who has 16 centuries in overseas Tests. Only Sachin Tendulkar (29) has more Test centuries away from home. This century is Smith’s seventh in Asia, placing him alongside New Zealand’s Kane Williamson and Root as the third-highest century-maker in the continent. Alastair Cook, the former England opener, holds the top spot with nine centuries in Asia
Smith’s remarkable form has seen him score centuries in four consecutive Tests, starting from the fourth Test against India at Melbourne last year. Once outside the top 10 of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 run-scoring charts, Smith now sits in sixth place. In 19 Tests, he has accumulated 1,313 runs at an average of 42.35, with five centuries and four fifties, his best score being 141.
