In the annals of Test cricket, few batsmen have left as profound an impact as the enigmatic Steve Smith. Armed with an unorthodox technique, an insatiable appetite for runs, Smith has etched his name among the modern-day greats of the game. We have decided to put forth Smith’s top 5 test centuries in order to remind ourselves the greatness of this player.
With an impressive repertoire of centuries in the longest format, the Australian maestro has mesmerized cricketing purists and fans alike with his unique playing style and entertaining physical gestures. That’s why we all say, “never change Smudge.”
In this article, we delve into five of Steve Smith’s most exceptional Test centuries that have dazzled the cricketing world and solidified his status as one of the finest craftsmen to grace the sport.
From dominating bowling attacks on home soil to displaying mastery on foreign shores, each century is a testament to Smith’s insatiable hunger for runs and his unyielding dedication to his craft. Let us embark on a journey through these cricketing spectacles that have redefined the art of batting and left the world in awe of Steve Smith’s genius.
Steve Smith’s Sensational 144 Propels Australia to Victory at Edgbaston in 2019 Ashes
To start with Steve Smith’s top 5 test centuries, it was in a gripping encounter during the 2019 Ashes series where former Australian captain Steve Smith delivered a match defining performance with the bat, scoring 144 runs to lead his team to a memorable victory against England. Smith’s outstanding innings spoke about his ability to dominate the opposition and solidify his status as one of the greatest batsmen of his generation.
In the opening Test of the series, after opting to bat first, Australia found themselves in a precarious position, facing a formidable English bowling attack. However, Steve Smith, returning to Test cricket after a year-long ban, stood firm and defied the English bowlers with his impeccable technique and concentration to amaze everyone.
Smith’s innings was nothing short of a masterpiece, as he displayed remarkable composure and temperament against both pace and spin. He reached his century with a characteristically precise cover drive off Chris Woakes, exuding confidence and class.
His partnership with Peter Siddle (44 runs) was crucial in setting the platform for Australia’s first-innings total of 284, which provided a competitive edge against the spirited English bowling attack. The right-handed maestro’s innings was studded with 16 glorious boundaries, highlighting his ability to find gaps in the field and place the ball with surgical precision.
England, in their response, fought back admirably, putting up a challenging target of 398 for Australia to chase in the fourth innings. It was a daunting task, but Smith’s knock had infused the visitors with belief and determination.
In the final innings of the Test, Smith once again took center stage, calmly resuming his role as the savior of the Australian batting order. His innings was punctuated with delightful drives, delicate glances, and resolute defense, frustrating the English bowlers and captain Joe Root, who found no answer to halt the run-flow.
Smith brought up his second century of the match, an achievement achieved by only a handful of players in the history of the Ashes. His magnificent innings took Australia within touching distance of a remarkable victory.
Ultimately, Australia emerged victorious by a margin of 251 runs, courtesy of Steve Smith’s heroics. His 144, coupled with his first-innings century, marked a defining moment in the series and set the tone for an enthralling contest that would go on to captivate cricket fans worldwide.
Steve Smith’s Stellar 109 Powers Australia to Historic Victory against India at Pune in 2017
In a batting masterclass in subcontinent conditions, Steve Smith delivered a magnificent innings of 109 runs, leading his team to a historic victory against India during the opening Test match of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2017.
Smith’s outstanding century was marked by exquisite strokeplay and resolute defense against Indian spinner. His brilliance was at show as a batsman and established him as a pivotal figure in Australia’s quest to conquer the subcontinent.
After electing to bat first, the visitors found themselves in a precarious position, losing early wickets against India’s potent spinners. However, Smith, the then Australian captain, stood undeterred at the crease, displaying a mix of patience and aggression.
Smith’s signature ‘Smith Stretch,’ where he leaned back to elegantly loft the ball over the infield, became a defining feature of his innings, delighting fans and pundits alike.
The right-handed batsman reached his century with a sublime flick towards mid-wicket, displaying a rare combination of finesse and power. It was his fifth Test century against India.
Smith’s partnership with opener Matt Renshaw was crucial in setting the foundation for Australia’s first-innings total of 260. The duo defied the Indian spinners, milking the singles and punishing the loose deliveries, much to the frustration of the home team.
In response, India’s batsmen struggled against a determined Australian bowling attack, with Steve O’Keefe and Nathan Lyon leading the charge. The visitors bowled out India for a meager 105, gaining a significant first-innings lead.
In the second innings, Smith’s calm and composed demeanor was once again on full display. His 109, combined with valuable contributions from the lower order, allowed Australia to set India a challenging target of 441.
Smith’s astute captaincy and sharp field placements only added to India’s woes, and the hosts were eventually bowled out for 107, handing Australia a sensational 333-run victory.
Steve Smith’s breathtaking century at Pune not only played a pivotal role in Australia’s triumph but also demonstrated his prowess as a batsman capable of thriving in the most challenging conditions.
Steve Smith’s Masterful 141 Showcases Batting Brilliance during the Ashes Battle at Brisbane in 2017
Steve Smith played a suprising knock of 141 runs, leading his team to a commanding position against England during the first Test of the 2017-18 Ashes series at the Gabba. Smith’s brilliant innings came when his team looked in trouble and something substantial was needed to set alive the home side.
His innings was built on a solid foundation of technical excellence, with impeccable footwork and an uncanny ability to judge the length of the ball. Smith’s remarkable eye-hand coordination allowed him to time the ball to perfection, finding the gaps in the field with precision.
Starting cautiously, Smith laid the groundwork for his innings, cautiously negotiating the initial period against England’s seamers. Smith’s textbook drives through the cover region were a treat to watch. His trademark flicks through mid-wicket and deft cuts past point further highlighted his authority as a batter.
Smith’s 99 runs partnership with Shaun Marsh was instrumental in laying a strong foundation for Australia’s innings. The duo ushered out Australia from a precarious position. Smith’s assurance at the crease rubbed off on Marsh, who found confidence in his skipper’s calming presence.
The right-hander reached his century in style, unleashing a flurry of boundaries to bring up the milestone. It was his 21st Test century and a testament to his ability to thrive under pressure.
Throughout his innings, Smith’s batting was marked by meticulous shot selection, calculated aggression, and unwavering concentration. He exhibited immense patience, waiting for the right balls to capitalize on and dispatch to the boundary.
As the day concluded, Smith walked back to the pavilion to a standing ovation, having firmly stamped his authority on the match. His 141-run masterclass provided the foundation for Australia to post a formidable first-innings total of 328, setting the stage for a compelling Ashes contest.
Steve Smith’s Sublime 162 Showcases Batting Brilliance in Adelaide Test against India
In a display of sheer batting genius, Steve Smith produced an extraordinary innings of 162 runs during the 2014 Test against India at the Adelaide Oval. The then 25-year-old’s masterful knock left spectators and cricketing aficionados in awe.
Facing an emerging Indian bowling attack on a pitch that offered assistance to both pacers and spinners, he demonstrated a solid technique and a deep understanding of the game, enabling him to navigate through challenging conditions.
Smith’s innings was characterized by his remarkable composure at the crease. He showed all the skills that were essential traits for a batsman in the longest format of the game. As the Indian bowlers probed for weaknesses, Smith exhibited remarkable patience, content to play the waiting game and capitalize on loose deliveries.
The partnership between Smith and Michael Clarke played a pivotal role in Australia’s ascendancy during the Test. The duo combined for a commanding 163-run stand, frustrating the Indian bowlers and seizing control of the match. Smith’s batting prowess was well complemented by his astute running between the wickets, consistently converting ones into twos and applying pressure on the fielding side.
Smith’s prowess against spin bowling was on full display during his innings. He demonstrated a clear game plan against India’s spinners, using his nimble footwork to unsettle their lengths and capitalize on scoring opportunities.
His century was celebrated with a resounding roar from the crowd, acknowledging the brilliance of a batsman in the prime of his career. Smith’s unyielding concentration allowed him to continue his assault on the Indian bowlers, undeterred by their probing spells.
Smith’s innings finally came to an end after a marathon 293-ball stay at the crease. He had batted for over seven hours, leaving an indelible impact on the match and setting up a strong platform for Australia’s first-innings total of 517/7.
Steve Smith’s Glorious 211: A Masterclass of Batting Brilliance in Manchester
Steve Smith unleashed a breathtaking double century, scoring 211 runs against England during the 2019 Ashes Test at Old Trafford. Smith’s remarkable innings was one of its kind, in which he hit 24 fours and 2 sixes.
On a tough batting wicket, Smith’s innings can be described as a textbook lesson in patience and tenacity. Commencing his innings cautiously, he meticulously assessed the conditions and showed respect to the English pacers’ probing deliveries. With England aiming to build pressure, Smith demonstrated remarkable composure, leaving deliveries outside off-stump with precision and frustrating the opposition.
Smith settled into his rhythm after struggling early on. Australian openers, David Warner and Marcus Harris, both were sent back to pavallion within first 7 overs. So there was a great responsibility over his shoulders to build a partnership alongside other Aussie batters.
Smith’s ability to counter the English pacer Jofra Archer was mesmerizing. He exhibited confidence against the pacey ball, using his movements to stay in control against threatening deliveries. He combined a sound defensive technique with aggression, making him a formidable opponent for the English bowlers.
The 145 runs partnership between Steve Smith and Tim Paine was a pivotal moment in the match, turning the tide in Australia’s favor. The duo combined batted for 41 overs, which not only frustrated the English bowlers but also allowed Australia to gain a dominant position in the Test.
Smith’s marathon innings finally came to an end after a sensational 319-ball stay at the crease. He had batted for over nine hours, leaving an indelible impact on the match and helping Australia post a mammoth first-innings total of 497/8.
This masterclass must have a place not only in Smith’s top 5 test centuries but also in top 10 admirable centuries of all time.
Steve Smith’s Sublime Century: A Masterpiece in Centurion
Another briliant innings from Australian maestro Steve Smith that visualised his prowess with a magnificent century against South Africa during the first Test at SuperSport Park in 2014. Smith took his time that day which left the Proteas’ bowling attack bewildered and without answers against one of the finest batsmen of modern generation.
Facing a formidable South African pace battery on a lively wicket, Smith 233 runs partnership with Shuan Marsh. His innings can be described as a masterclass in adaptability and temperamet because it came against bowlers like Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel.
Notably, Smith’s proficiency against spin bowling was on full display as well. With the Proteas introducing spinners Jean-Paul Duminy and Robin Peterson to break partnerships, Smith took the opportunity to frustrate the local bowling attack.
Smith’s century, scored off 213 balls, included 13 beautiful boundaries and was a testament to his ability to counter high-quality bowling on challenging tracks. As he raised his bat to acknowledge the applause from his teammates and the Centurion crowd, it was evident that his century had laid the foundation for Australia’s competitive total of 397 in the first innings.
In a match that saw the visitors emerging victorious, Steve Smith’s century stood as a beacon of individual brilliance. His innings exemplified the qualities that have come to define him as a batsman. Not a high scoring ton but this knock surely deserves a place in Smith’s top 5 test centuries.
Read More: Bowlers With 600+ Test Wickets In Their Career
This is our conclusion of Steve Smith’s top 5 test centuries. During an latest interview, Steve Smith was asked to rate his century. His first pick was 141 against England at Gabba, purely because Australia were in challenging position when he came to bat. They were 75 for 4 and it was all hands of Steve Smith to bat against Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Chris Woakes, Jake Ball and Moeen Ali.
It is also important to know that except Steve Smith, only Shaun Marsh (51 off 141 balls) was the other player to made any substantial contribution among the top 7 batters. That really tells how meaningful his innings was that day at Gabba.
Do you guys think we have missed any of his hard earned and match defining knock in this Smith’s top 5 test centuries list, please let us know in the comment section.
