Decoding Steve Smith's love for Ashes: His achievements and records
Former Australian captain Steve Smith is arguably the best batsman to have graced Ashes after the legendary Sir Donald Bradman. The Aussie star has made it quite a habit of getting big match-defining knocks in cricket's most fiercest rivalry. Smith registered a brilliant 144-run knock on the first day of the ongoing Ashes 2019. Here we look at Smith's Ashes records and achievements.
How did the first day pan out?
Smith arrived at the crease when Australia's score read 35/3. One needed a Smith classic here at Edgbaston. Australia endured a difficult session and were reduced to 122/8. But credit to Peter Siddle (44) for providing Smith the cushion to carry on with his innings. Number 11 batsman Nathan Lyon (12*) also supported Smith as Australia managed 284. England pacer Stuart Broad (5/86) excelled.
Smith notches ninth Ashes ton
This was Smith's 24th career Test century. The Australian superstar also registered his ninth Ashes ton in his 24th Test. He now has 2,170 Ashes runs and went past former greats Kevin Pietersen (2,158) and Greg Chappell (2,154). The 30-year-old is averaging a stellar 58.64 in Ashes cricket. Also, five of the nine hundreds have come in the last seven Ashes Tests.
Smith second fastest to 24 career Test tons
Smith achieved his 24th career Test ton in his 116th inning. Bradman had achieved the feat in 66 innings. Indian greats Virat Kohli and Sachin Tendulkar took 123 and 125 innings respectively. With this ton, Smith equalled the likes of Greg Chappell, Viv Richards and Mohammad Yousuf in terms of career Test tons. He is behind six Australian batsmen in most Test centuries amassed.
Smith in the thick of things at Edgbaston
Smith shared a 88-run stand for the ninth wicket with Peter Siddle. He added 74 with Nathan Lyon for the last wicket. It is the first time since 1993 that the last two Aussie wickets produced two fifty-plus partnerships. Smith, who hit 16 fours and two sixes, was finally dismissed by Stuart Broad. This was the seventh occasion where Broad dismissed Smith in Ashes.
Smith can define Australia's campaign once again
Smith had amassed 687 runs in the 2017-18 Ashes and was the highest run-scorer. He amassed three centuries and two fifties. Smith has already got off to a strong start in Ashes 2019 and he could define Australia's campaign. "I didn't want to give my wicket up easily, I wanted to keep fighting and fortunately I was able to dig in," said Smith.
