Australia‘s legendary batter Steve Smith smashed his 36th Test hundred on Day 2 of the second Test against Sri Lanka in Galle. Smith’s 36th Test century is a monumental achievement that places him on an elite pedestal alongside cricketing greats like Joe Root and Rahul Dravid.
Steve Smith’s 36th Test century milestone
In reaching this landmark, Smith not only matched the century counts of these revered players but also cemented his reputation as one of the modern era’s finest Test batters. This milestone is a testament to his enduring skill, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure, characteristics that have defined his career over the years. With every boundary and meticulously played shot, Smith has demonstrated that his technique remains as sharp as ever, reaffirming his status in the upper echelons of Test cricket. His latest century, achieved at the historic Galle International Stadium, adds another illustrious chapter to his storied career, making his achievements a source of inspiration for aspiring cricketers worldwide.
Resilient response amid early setbacks
After Australia’s early collapse to 37/2 in response to Sri Lanka’s first innings score of 257, following the dismissals of key batters Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne, Smith’s entrance into the innings was marked by a determined resolve to steady the ship. Despite facing a challenging situation and a crucial LBW review on his very first delivery, he displayed exceptional composure and tactical acumen. Smith’s approach from the moment he took guard was indicative of his seasoned mindset; he methodically built his innings, ensuring that every stroke was measured and purposeful. His ability to recover from a precarious start, marked by the early loss of wickets around him, is a shining example of his mental strength and adaptability. This resilient response not only set the foundation for his century but also reinvigorated the Australian innings, providing the much-needed stability in a crisis.
Also WATCH: Beau Webster takes a screamer to wrap up Sri Lanka’s innings on Day 2 of the second Test
Partnership brilliance with Alex Carey
Joined by Alex Carey, the dynamic duo forged a massive century partnership that frustrated Sri Lanka and swung the momentum decisively in Australia’s favor. Smith reached his fifty off 98 balls with a scintillating sweep shot, laying the foundation for what promised to be a monumental innings. His determination and impeccable technique underscored his status as the linchpin of Australia’s batting lineup.
Smith’s innings was further bolstered by a massive century partnership with Carey, a crucial stand that significantly frustrated the Sri Lankan bowling attack. As the duo stitched together crucial runs, they effectively shifted the momentum firmly in Australia’s favor, setting the stage for a dominating team performance. The partnership was a blend of calculated aggression and steady accumulation, with Smith’s elegant sweep shots and precise cover drives complementing Carey’s supportive batting.
Here’s how fans reacted:
It’s getting ridiculous for Steve Smith, 12 matches he went without a 100. Stranded on 32 test hundreds 10,000 runs was looking way off. He now has 4 hundreds in 5 test matches. 32 hundreds to 36 test hundreds inside 50 days. IT’S JUST STUPID!! INCREDIBLE STUFF! #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/OcW8cJbj4i
— Coach lukas (@lukeR15sky) February 7, 2025
When great players get on a roll, they are hard to stop. 36 test centuries for Steve Smith, and 4 in his last four test matches. Masterful.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) February 7, 2025
36th Test century for Steve Smith, who has gone level with Joe Root in 36 fewer matches.
That’s now four centuries for Smudge in his last five Tests.
The best Test batter of this generation without a doubt!#SLvAUS
— CricBlog ✍ (@cric_blog) February 7, 2025
Steve Smith’s peak was so high that even after scoring four hundreds in five Tests you’re still wondering if he’s close to being back to his best.
— Yas Rana (@Yas_Wisden) February 7, 2025
Another day, another Test century for Steve Smith.
— Iceland Cricket (@icelandcricket) February 7, 2025
Breathtaking century for @stevesmith49. This simply cannot be his last Test in Asia. He looks reenergised & revitalised & even though he’d said 2023 was his last Test tour to India, it’ll be shocking now if he doesn’t make it back there in 2027 #SLvAus pic.twitter.com/IczWcCJIqE
— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) February 7, 2025
Steve Smith is the greatest Test Batsmen alive…just seeing him manoeuvre and milk spinners is such a joy, Never looks ruffled, always ahead of the bowlers in game play, his ability to play spin will even put some Asian players to shame!
— Gagan Chawla (@toecrushrzzz) February 7, 2025
I see Steve Smith is getting runs again. It’s really making me upset how inevitable it is that after a prolonged period of shite form he’s regaining it coming up to an ashes and will score 800 runs @ 120 or something utterly ridiculous.
— Matty (@mattylufc_) February 7, 2025
Steve Smith with his fifth hundred in his last ten knocks (BBL & Test).
— Neroli Meadows (@Neroli_Meadows) February 7, 2025
Steve Smith’s fourth Test ton on Sri Lankan shores. Only Sachin Tendulkar has more of touring batters. pic.twitter.com/1rVH7uEDCh
— Daniel Cherny (@DanielCherny) February 7, 2025
It’s Steve Smith Test hundred number 3️⃣6️⃣ 🏏#Cricket #SLvAUS #SteveSmith #australiacricket pic.twitter.com/NVrWH4dfoc
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) February 7, 2025
Very good batters enjoy peaks. Great batters find a way to bounce back when people start writing them off.
Steve Smith always finds a way.
— Behram Qazi 🇵🇰 🇨🇦 (@DeafMango) February 7, 2025
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