The Australian batting maestro Steve Smith has done it again! On Day 2 of the second Test against Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium, Smith brought up his 36th Test century, cementing his place among the greatest Test batters.
With this century, Smith now stands alongside Rahul Dravid and Joe Root, making him the joint-fifth highest century-maker in Test cricket history. Let’s dive into this incredible milestone and how Smith dominated the Sri Lankan bowlers in style.
Smith Steps Up in a Crucial Moment
With Pat Cummins absent, Smith took charge as Australia’s stand-in captain. Walking in at 37/2, with both Travis Head (21) and Marnus Labuschagne (4) dismissed early, the pressure was immense.
However, Smith stayed calm under pressure, brushing off an early lbw scare and quickly settling into his rhythm.
Partnerships That Anchored the Innings
Smith started carefully, reaching lunch on 23, and built a steady 54-run stand with Usman Khawaja (36). However, Khawaja fell right after lunch to Nishan Peris, leaving Smith to take control.
The real game-changer was Smith’s massive century partnership with Alex Carey. Together, they frustrated the Sri Lankan bowlers and propelled Australia into a dominant position.
Masterclass in Batting: Precision & Patience
Smith reached his half-century off 98 balls, executing his classic sweep shots and cover drives. He looked in total control, balancing solid defense with aggressive strokeplay.
Even with a few nervous moments—an edge falling just short of the slips and a ball barely missing the stumps—Smith remained composed, proving why he’s one of the best in the game.
A Century to Remember!
The magic moment arrived when Smith pulled Kamindu Mendis for a boundary, bringing up yet another Test hundred in his glorious career. This was also his second consecutive century in the series, following his outstanding 141 in the first Test.
🏏 A tweet from a cricket fan summed it up perfectly:
“Steve Smith is simply a modern-day legend! Back-to-back centuries in Sri Lanka, leading from the front. What a player! #AUSvSL”
Breaking Records & Rewriting History
Smith’s century wasn’t his only milestone of the match. He also:
✅ Surpassed Ricky Ponting to become Australia’s highest Test run-scorer in Asia
✅ Broke Ponting’s record for most Test catches by an Australian outfielder (197)
✅ Reached 1,889 Test runs in Asia, making history in subcontinent conditions
Final Thoughts: Smith’s Greatness Continues!
With 36 Test centuries, unmatched consistency, and an ability to deliver under pressure, Steve Smith has once again proven why he’s one of the greatest Test batters of all time.
💥 What’s next for Smith? Can he surpass Sangakkara’s 38 centuries? Cricket fans can’t wait to see more magic from the Aussie legend!
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