Picture Credit: X

Picture Credit: X

On Friday, December 27, veteran Australia batter Steven Smith continued his form, following his century in the third Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) Test at The Gabba in Brisbane. The 35-year-old, who resumed his innings from 68* on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test at MCG, Melbourne, went onto score his 34th Test century.

Moreover, Smith’s century was a feat in several different manner as he also went onto score his 11th Test ton against India, which is most in Test cricket. Notably, no other player has scored most Test centuries against the Indian cricket team. Moreover, with his knock of 140 off 197 deliveries, Smith also put Australia in a dominating position in the ongoing fourth Test down under.

Steve Smith equals Brian Lara, Sunil Gavaskar's record for 34 Test centuries

Smith’s 34th hundred early this morning helped him finish tie for seventh place on the all-time list for most Test hundreds. He now shares the spot with legends of the game, including Younis Khan, Sunil Gavaskar and Brain Lara. Moreover, what sets him apart from the likes of legends is that Smith has achieved this feat faster than all former players who ended their career with 34 Test centuries.

Moreover, Joe Root is the only active player ahead of Steven Smith in this prestigious list, having scored 36 Test centuries. Additionally, Steven Smith’s Test hundred on Day 2 of the fourth BGT Test, also made him the most successful batter in Tests against India. His 11 Test centuries are the most by any player in Test cricket, after he equalled Joe Root’s record of 10 in the Brisbane Test.

steve smith infographic

Moreover, the New South Wales batter also equalled Sir Donald Bradman as well as former Australia cricketer-turned commentator Matthew Hayden and Jack Hobbs' record for most Test centuries at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Only three batter so far have five-plus centuries at MCG, including Hobbs (5), Hayden (6) and Bradman (9). Smith also closed up the gap with former Australia captain Ricky Ponting (41), who sits at the top of the list for most Test centuries for Australia.