Former Australia captain Steve Smith continues to defy age as he scored his latest century in the ongoing second Test match against Sri Lanka on February 7. This was his 36th Test ton, which brought him level with Joe Root and Rahul Dravid in the leading centurions of the format. Smith’s commanding performance has played a vital role in gaining a first innings lead for Australia in the Galle Test.
Regarded as one of the finest Test batsmen of his generation, Smith was set up for yet another milestone on Day 2 of this match. Batting in the first session after Marnus Labuschagne fell early, Smith went all guns blazing against Sri Lankan bowlers as he brought up his hundred in 191 deliveries.
This is the latest century to add to Smith’s impressive tally of 17 tons as captain, this time in place of Pat Cummins, who is out injured. Only Graeme Smith (25), Virat Kohli (20) and Ricky Ponting (19) have scored more as Test captains.
Smith’s 36 centuries also firm with him as the active player with the most number of Test tons, joining the list along with Root. Australia, which restricted Sri Lanka to 257 runs, had recovered well from the early setbacks to take the lead by 61 runs at 318/3 in 77 overs at the time of filing this report. Smith was still unbeaten on 118 while his partner Alex Carey was contributing 130 to further fortify Australia’s position.
By returning to captaincy, Smith is further strengthening his legacy as one of the greats to wear the Baggy Green. The possibility of a double century also looms as Australia chases a series clean sweep.
