Steve Smith becomes second-highest run-getter in Ashes as Australia post 518/7

Advertisement

In the fifth and final Ashes series, Australian batter Steve Smith became the second-highest run scorer on the third day of the test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

Smith required just 84 runs at the start of the first innings to pass Jack Hobbs’ tally of 3,636 runs, a record that stood for over 90 years. Hobbs amassed the runs in 41 matches and 71 innings with an average of 54.26, along with 13 centuries and 15 half-centuries in the Ashes.

Smith has now notched up 3644 runs in 41 matches and 73 innings at a brilliant average of 56.93. The right-handed batter has made 13 centuries and 15 half-centuries in the Ashes. Smith is only behind Don Bradman’s 19 centuries in Ashes history.

Steve Smith’s unbeaten century has put them in a dominant position as Australia posted 518/7 in 124 overs in response to England’s first innings score of 384. The hosts have a lead of 134 runs with Smith (129* off 205 balls, including 15 fours and one six) and Beau Webster (42* off 58 deliveries) unbeaten at the crease.

Australia started their innings at 377/6 in 91 overs at the tea break. Cameron Green (8 off 13 balls, with the help of one four) and Smith (65 off 115 deliveries, including nine fours) were unbeaten at the crease.

Smith reached his 37th Test century during the 110th over. The Australian captain reached the landmark in 166 deliveries.

Australia crossed the 500-run mark in the 121st over after Smith hammered two fours against speedster Josh Tongue. The hosts’ lead stretched to 120 runs. Wickets fell as Australia scored 518/7 at stumps on Day 3 with a lead of 134 runs in their first innings.

Earlier in the match, England were bundled out for 384 runs in 97.3 overs after opting to bat first. Openers Zak Crawley (16 off 29 balls) and Ben Duckett (27 off 24 balls) stitched a 35-run stand for the first wicket. Jacob Bethell departed after scoring 10 runs off 23 deliveries, including two fours. 

Harry Brook scored 84 runs off 97 deliveries, while Joe Root’s fantastic 160 off 242 deliveries, with the help of 15 fours, stitched a 169-run stand for the fourth wicket. Jamie Smith scored 46 off 76 balls along with seven boundaries as England went past the 350-run mark in the first innings.

For Australia, speedsters Mitchell Starc (2/93), Michael Neser (4/60), and Scott Boland (2/85) were among the wicket takers.

Brief Scores:

England: 384 (Joe Root 160, Harry Brook 84, Michael Neser 4/60, Scott Boland 2/75) vs Australia: 518/7 (Travis Head 165, Steve Smith 129*, Brydon Carse 3/108).