Steve Smith continued his onslaught on the Indian bowlers on Day 2 of the World Test Championship final. To note, this was 31st hundred for Smith as he reached the 12th spot for most centuries in the Test format. Among active players, the Australian vice-captain steered clear of ‘Fab Four’ with Virat Kohli, Joe Root and Kane Williamson left trailing.
Most Test Centuries among active players
Player | Mat | Runs | HS | Ave | SR | 100 | 50 |
Steve Smith | 97* | 8913 | 239 | 60.22 | 53.75 | 31 | 37 |
Joe Root | 130 | 11004 | 254 | 50.24 | 56.25 | 29 | 58 |
Kane Williamson | 94 | 8124 | 251 | 54.89 | 51.46 | 28 | 33 |
Virat Kohli | 109* | 8416 | 254* | 48.93 | 55.32 | 28 | 28 |
Most Test hundreds for Australia:
41 – Ricky Ponting
32 – Steve Waugh
31 – Steve Smith
30 – Matthew Hayden
29 – Sir Don Bradman
Australia were in complete command at stumps on the opening day of the final after Travis Head and Smith dominated at the Oval. Head was unbeaten on 146 while Smith (95 not out) neared his 31st Test hundred as Australia reached 327 for 3 by the end of play on Wednesday.
Most Test centuries for a visiting batter in England:
Sir Don Bradman – 11
Steve Waugh – 7
Steven Smith – 7*
Rahul Dravid – 6
Gordon Greenidge – 6
On Day 2, Smith wasted no time to reach the three-figure mark as none of the Indian bowlers have been able to get him out. The right-handed batter stroked 16 fours in his 100 runs and is looking well to post another mammoth score against a weak looking Indian bowling line-up.