Steve Smith slams 29th Test century: Key stats
Steve Smith smashed his 29th Test century during the series opener between Australia and West Indies. The Australian vice-captain accomplished the milestone on Day 2 of the contest at the Perth Cricket Stadium. Notably, Smith returned unbeaten on 59 at stumps on the opening day. He continued to bat precisely and reached the three-figure mark off 180 balls. Here we look at his stats.
Why does this story matter?
Australia won the toss and opted to bat in Perth. The home side couldn't get off to a strong start as opener David Warner departed for just five. Marnus Labuschagne and Usman Khawaja then steadied the ship with a 142-run stand. Smith arrived at number four and continued to torment Caribbean bowlers alongside Labuschagne, who also reached three figures on Day 1.
A look at Smith's Test career
Meanwhile, Smith now owns over 8,260 runs in 88 Tests with his average being 60 plus. While three of his 29 tons were converted into double centuries, the 33-year-old also has 36 fifties under his belt. Notably, Smith now owns most Test centuries by an active cricketer. He went past Joe Root and Virat Kohli, who have scored 28 tons apiece so far.
4,000 Test runs at home
Meanwhile, Steve Smith has now completed 4,000 Test runs on home soil in 44 games. The veteran batter, who averages over 60 at home, became the 12th Aussie to get the milestone. 15 of his 29 Test tons have been recorded down under.
Equals Don Bradman's record
Smith has also now equaled Don Bradman's tally of 29 tons in the longest format. Among Aussies, only Matthew Hayden (30), Steve Waugh (32), and Ricky Ponting (41) have more Test centuries than Smith.
His record vs West Indies
Smith has always enjoyed playing against West Indies as he completed 600 runs against them in just six Tests. This was Smith's third Test century against the Caribbean team in Tests. The tally also includes a couple of half-centuries. Meanwhile, the star batter is Australia's highest run-getter across formats this year, scoring over 1,290 runs in 33 innings.
Technical adjustments have been beneficial for Smith
Notably, Smith has adjusted his trademark back-and-across movement over the past 12 months. The changes have indeed been beneficiary and the same can be seen in Smith's performance. "I've started to get rhythm in my batting, something I've lacked for a while now," Smith told reporters in Perth on Sunday. "I feel like I'm in a good place," he added.
Smith, Labuschagne take Australia past 400
Smith was involved in a 251-run stand for the third wicket alongside Labuschagne. Notably, the latter smashed a double century in the contest and departed after scoring 204 off 350 balls. His and Smith's collective efforts took Australia past 400 on Day 2 morning.
