Aus vs WI LIVE: Steve Smith is back. Following his performance against the West Indies on Thursday, former Australian captain Steve Smith added his name to the Test cricket elite list. The right-handed Australian batter has now joined a select group of cricketers after smashing yet another century in the game’s longest format. Smith has now equaled legendary Australian icon Donald Bradman’s record of hundreds in Test cricket with his 29th Test century. Follow Australia vs West Indies and AUS vs IND Test LIVE updates with InasideSport.IN
AUS vs WI: Steve Smith equals Sir DON Bradman in Perth, Aussie RUN-MACHINE is BACK, Warning signs for India: Follow LIVE UPDATE
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Smith’s record-equalling ton came on the second day of the First Test between Australia and West Indies in Perth.
Only three Australians remain on the list of all-time leaders ahead of Smith: Matthew Hayden (30), Steve Waugh (32), and Ricky Ponting (41).
After 180 deliveries, the right-hander reached his century with an on-drive, took off his helmet, and thanked the Perth audience, which included his wife Dani.
Only Sachin Tendulkar (148) and Bradman (79 innings) required fewer innings to reach 29 Test hundreds than Smith (155).
Steve Smith notches up Test century number 29!
Australia turn the screws in Perth 👀
Watch #AUSvWI on https://t.co/CPDKNxoJ9v (in select regions) 📺
Scorecard: https://t.co/GmPHL3FnGN pic.twitter.com/WfJa6iZ9Ok
— ICC (@ICC) December 1, 2022
The ace batter’s 29th century and a huge 251-run partnership with Marnus Labuschagne have given Australia a dominating lead in the game. The former is still going strong at the crease and after reaching his fourth double-century in Test cricket.
Adam Gilchrist, a former wicketkeeper-batter for Australia, was in awe of the batting legend’s skill. Gilchrist commented during the commentary for Fox Cricket, “You’re watching the history of a great champion.”
Following a slight modification to his distinctive batting approach, Smith this week cautioned that he might be in for his most successful Test summer ever.
Over the past 12 months, the 33-year-old has gradually changed his signature back-and-across movement, returning to a more conventional posture during the most recent ODI series against England.
After changing his action, Smith is much stiller on the crease now. His movements are less pronounced, which improves the coordination of his feet, hands, and torso, especially when he is on the back foot.
