Steve Smith Achieves 35th Test Ton Quickly
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Synopsis
Steve Smith has become the third fastest player to achieve 35 Test centuries, reaching this milestone on Day 1 of the first Test versus Sri Lanka in Galle. His performance helped Australia post 330/2, with Smith finishing the day on 104 not out.
Key Takeaways
- Steve Smith scored his 35th Test century.
- He is now the third fastest to reach this milestone.
- Smith ended Day 1 on 104 not out.
- Australia posted 330/2 after Day 1.
- Usman Khawaja contributed 147 runs.
Galle (Sri Lanka), Jan 29 (NationPress) After achieving the remarkable 10,000-run milestone with a single, Steve Smith went on to record his 35th Test century, aiding Australia in reaching 330/2 on Day 1 of the first Test against Sri Lanka on Wednesday. Smith ended the day at 104 not out, while Usman Khawaja remained unbeaten on 147, having established a solid 195-run partnership for the third wicket.
Coming in to bat at No.4, Smith exhibited his signature precision and composure, forming a strong alliance with Khawaja. His century, achieved off 179 balls (10 fours, 1 six) in his 205th innings, positions him third on the list of players to reach 35 Test centuries the fastest, following Ricky Ponting (195) and Sachin Tendulkar (200) in terms of innings needed to achieve this remarkable feat.
Smith now becomes the seventh batter in history to accumulate 35 Test centuries, joining an elite group that features Tendulkar (51), Jacques Kallis (45), Ponting (41), Kumar Sangakkara (38), Rahul Dravid (36), and Joe Root (36).
This accomplishment is further highlighted by his leadership stats, marking his 16th Test century as captain of Australia, surpassing both Allan Border and Steve Waugh, who both scored 15. Among Australian skippers, only Ponting (19) has more centuries, while globally, Smith ranks fourth behind Graeme Smith (25), Virat Kohli (20), and Ponting.
Smith’s prowess with the bat is mirrored in his leadership numbers, as he nears 4,000 Test runs as captain, boasting an impressive average of over 68 — the second-best among skippers with at least 3,000 Test runs, behind only Don Bradman’s remarkable 101.
Earlier in the day, Smith became the 15th player to exceed 10,000 Test runs, joining an elite cadre of Australian legends including Allan Border, Steve Waugh, and Ricky Ponting. He also became the fifth-fastest to reach this milestone, trailing only Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Sangakkara, and Ponting, all of whom achieved it in 195 or 196 innings.
