Australian superstar, Steve Smith’s love for the Ashes is well known. The modern-day legend has taken the game to another level against his favorite opponent England. After a 12-month ban, Smith started off with the fireworks in the ICC World Cup 2019. But perhaps the biggest salvation was always going to come in a format he loves most.
In the ongoing first Test against the Three Lions at Edgbaston, Smith walked out when his side was reeling at 35/3. From there on he took the command of the sinking ship. Wickets kept falling around him, but that didn’t deter Smith, who went on to score a majestic 144. From 122/8 at one stage, the Aussies managed to get to 284/10.
Two mega stands for the final two wickets saw Smith lead the charge. Credit goes to Peter Siddle and Nathan Lyon for providing company. The innings that imbibed grit, character, and panache stands out as one of the classic Ashes innings since a while.
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The right-handed Smith went on to rate the 144 as among the best Test tons he’s scored. To battle the mental ghosts of the scandal and then undergoing elbow surgery, the writing was on the wall. But champions find a way to make a return and Smith did just that. The 30-year-old former Australia captain completed a remarkable return in which he scored more than half his team’s total runs and almost single-handedly guided them.
This was his ninth Ashes century as he went on to etch his name on the record books.
Here we look at Smith’s best five Ashes centuries.
Ashes 2019: Steve Smith’s 144 at EdgbastonÂ
The 144 will definitely be ranked as one of Smith’s finest in his career and not just against England. To play out the first Test after a ball-tampering ban, Smith was welcomed by boos from the English fans and the Barmy Army. Like usual, he settled down and produced some brilliant sights. He wasn’t unfazed by the happenings around him.
He arrived at the crease at 17/2 and from there on kept hanging on. Smith was only on 42 when Pat Cummins fell. And once he got the trust from Siddle (44) and Lyon (12*), he managed to put on an 88-run stand, followed by a 74-run partnership. These epic last-wicket stands gave Aussies something to cheer upon. Smith belated 16 fours and two sixes.
2017-18 Ashes: 141* in Brisbane
Smith has got this affiliation towards Ashes openers. In the previous Ashes series in Australia, he set the tone with a blistering 141* against England. England was bowled out for 302 in the first innings. Smith arrived at the Gabba crease with his team floundering at 30/2 in response. His eyes for strike rotation and gaps stood out as Gabba kept lauding his efforts.
And the 30-year-old just carried on and took over the mantle. His superb knock made the difference as none of the others got past 50. That special ton saw the Aussies post an unlikely first-innings lead and later on they zoomed to a 10-wicket victory. That set the theme as Smith went on to enjoy a terrific series. Aussies won the 5-match Test series by a 4-0 margin.
2017-18 Ashes: 239 in Perth
Steve Smith isn’t someone who relishes just the hundreds. He often scores big runs and this was a daddy hundred. Perth belonged to Smith during the third Test against England in the 2017-18 series. Aussies were already 2-0 up and a victory would have given them the urn. England started off well with two centuries from Dawid Malan and Jonny Bairstow. The visitors managed 403.
Australia were 55/2 when Smith arrived. And from there on he once again steadied the ship. He went on to notch a career-best 239 in a series-clinching win. What made the difference was his 301-run partnership with Mitchell Marsh (181) as Australia walloped England (662/9). England was bowled out for 218 next as Australia took an unassailable 3-0 series lead.
2015 Ashes: 215 at Lord’s
Aussies were trailing 1-0 in the series and they needed a response. Going 0-2 down would have been catastrophic. But the visitors had other ideas. Opener Chris Rogers (178) and Smith (215) took over and made England sink into a hole. The two added a 284-run stand for the second wicket. Smith hit 25 fours and a six, as Australia posted 566/8 (decl).
England was all out for 312 in reply. In the second innings, Steve Smith came out once again and posted a stylish 58 off just 48 deliveries. Aussies were in complete control of the Test match and the situation at Lord’s. The hosts were bundled out for just 103 to hand Australia a famous 405-run win. Smith picked up the man of the match award for his dual show.
2013-14 Ashes: 111 in Perth
Steve Smith didn’t enjoy the best of Ashes series in 2013-14 at home. But he often doesn’t go out empty-handed. His brilliant 111 in Perth helped Aussies wrap up the Ashes series. At 106/3, Australia needed someone to come in provide that guidance. Someone in the middle-order needed to stand up and Smith, as usual, did just that.
His 111 was the only century by an Aussie in the first innings. Australia was struggling at 143/5 at one stage, but Smith kept his calm and gave an indication of the qualities he possesses. The Aussies managed 385/10 with some big help from the lower order. Smith smashed 14 fours and two sixes in a 207-ball show. England did offer a fight but fell short by 150 runs in the end.